The cones of the human eye are sensitive to which colors?

The cones of the human eye are specialized photoreceptor cells that enable color vision and are primarily sensitive to three specific colors of light: red, green, and blue. Each type of cone has a peak sensitivity to wavelengths corresponding to these colors. This tri-chromatic system is fundamental for human color perception, as it allows the brain to interpret a wide range of colors by combining signals from these three types of cones.

For example, when light containing both red and green wavelengths hits the cones, the brain interprets this combination as yellow. This additive mixing of colors is crucial for how we perceive various hues in our environment. The correct understanding of this color sensitivity explains why red, green, and blue are considered the primary colors in terms of how the human visual system processes colors.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the sensitivity of the cone types. Understanding the function of the cones helps clarify why the focus on red, green, and blue is so critical in topics related to color vision.