Which type of cells are responsible for color vision in the retina?

Cone cells are specifically responsible for color vision in the retina. These photoreceptor cells are found predominantly in the central part of the retina known as the fovea, where they are densely packed. There are three types of cone cells, each sensitive to different wavelengths of light corresponding to red, green, and blue colors. This trichromatic system enables humans to perceive a wide range of colors by combining the signals from these different cone types.

In contrast, rod cells are more sensitive to light but do not contribute to color vision; they are primarily responsible for vision in low-light conditions and provide grayscale images. Bipolar cells serve as intermediaries in the processing of visual information, connecting photoreceptors to ganglion cells and transmitting signals, but they do not directly detect color. Ganglion cells are the final processing layer of the retina, sending visual information to the brain via their axons; their function is more about transmitting signals rather than directly perceiving color. Thus, cone cells are the key players in color vision.