What is the role of rods in the human eye?

Rods are specialized photoreceptor cells located in the retina of the human eye. Their primary role is to enable low-light vision, which means they are highly sensitive to light and allow us to see in dimly lit environments. Unlike cones, which are responsible for color vision and visual acuity and function best in bright light, rods operate effectively in low illumination conditions. They help in detecting movement and shapes rather than fine detail or color, which is crucial for nighttime or low-light conditions. This sensitivity is due to the presence of a light-sensitive pigment called rhodopsin, which allows rods to respond to very low levels of light. Thus, the role of rods in facilitating low-light vision is essential for our overall visual experience, especially in darker settings.