Which retinal receptor is crucial for peripheral and twilight vision, especially when cones do not respond?

Rods are the retinal receptors that are essential for peripheral and twilight vision. They are highly sensitive to light and can function well in low-light conditions, which makes them particularly important when illumination is minimal and cones, which are responsible for color vision and fine detail, do not respond effectively.

Rods are predominantly located in the peripheral regions of the retina, allowing for the detection of movement and patterns in dim lighting. This ability supports night vision and the processing of visual information in darker environments. In contrast, cones are responsible for color vision and operate best in bright light, which explains why they are not as useful in low-light situations. The blind spot refers to the area of the retina where there are no photoreceptors, while the fovea is concentrated with cones and specialized for sharp central vision, making them less involved in peripheral vision dynamics. Therefore, rods play a critical role in our ability to see in dim conditions, reinforcing their designation as essential for peripheral and twilight vision.