Photoreceptor Cell

Definition

A photoreceptor cell is a specialized type of cell in the retina of the eye that detects light and converts it into electrical signals to be sent to the brain.

Related terms

Rods:

Rods are a type of photoreceptor cell responsible for peripheral vision and detecting low levels of light.

Cones:

Cones are another type of photoreceptor cell responsible for central vision, color perception, and detecting high levels of light.

Retina:

The retina is the layer at the back of the eye that contains photoreceptor cells and other neurons involved in processing visual information.