A photoreceptor cell in the retina of the eye that detects very low levels of light.
A type of photoreceptor cell that is located throughout the retina but is more common outside of the central macular region of the retina, i.e. the periphery of the retina. The rod cell is particularly important for night vision, black and white vision, and side or peripheral vision. In many forms of RP, rod cell loss leads to loss of peripheral vision (i.e., tunnel vision)
Type of photoreceptors in the retina
Rod cells, or rods, are photoreceptor cells in the retina of the eye that can function in less intense light than can the other type of photoreceptor, cone cells. Since they are more light-sensitive, rods are responsible for night vision. Named for their cylindrical shape, rods are concentrated at the outer edges of the retina and are used in peripheral vision.