Rods are light-sensitive receptor cells located in the retina at the back of the human eye. Unlike cones, which detect colour, rods are sensitive only to variations in brightness, making them essential for vision in low-light or night conditions.
Rods play a crucial role in photography and visual perception, as they determine how we perceive contrast, shadows, and detail in dimly lit environments. Understanding the function of rods helps photographers appreciate the limits of human vision and how lighting and exposure can be used to enhance image clarity and visual impact in low-light scenes.