Kaplan Nursing Entrance Practice Exam

What are the light-sensitive cells located in the retina of the eyes called?

1. Rods and cones

2. Pigment cells

3. Corneal cells

4. Retinal neurons

The correct answer is: Rods and cones

The light-sensitive cells located in the retina are primarily known as rods and cones. These cells play crucial roles in vision. Rods are responsible for vision in low light conditions and are highly sensitive to light, allowing us to see in dim environments. Cones, on the other hand, are responsible for color vision and operate best in bright light conditions, enabling us to perceive fine details and hues. Understanding the functions of rods and cones is essential for recognizing how our eyes adapt to different lighting conditions and how we perceive the visual spectrum. The presence of both types of cells allows for a broad range of visual capabilities, which is fundamental for everyday activities. The other options do not accurately represent the light-sensitive components of the retina. Pigment cells, for instance, refer to cells that contain pigments and may not directly serve the function of light sensitivity; corneal cells are unrelated to the retina as they are part of the outer structure of the eye; and retinal neurons, while present in the retina, do not directly relate to the initial light detection facilitated by rods and cones. This distinction helps underscore the specific role that rods and cones play in our visual system.