Which structure in the eye is responsible for color detection?

The cones are the structures in the eye specifically responsible for detecting color. These photoreceptor cells are concentrated in the fovea, the central part of the retina, and they function optimally in bright light conditions. There are three types of cones, each sensitive to different wavelengths of light corresponding to the colors red, green, and blue. This trichromatic system allows the brain to perceive a wide range of colors through the combination of signals received from these three types of cones.

In contrast, rods are more sensitive to low light and are responsible primarily for peripheral and night vision, but they do not detect color. The lens and retina play essential roles in focusing light and processing visual information, respectively, but they are not directly involved in color detection. Understanding the role of cones clarifies their critical function in our ability to perceive and differentiate colors in our environment.