Which type of eye cells are responsible for enabling night vision?

The rods are specialized photoreceptor cells in the retina that are primarily responsible for vision in low-light conditions, or night vision. These cells are highly sensitive to light, making them particularly effective in dim environments. Unlike cones, which require brighter light for activation and are responsible for color vision and visual acuity during the day, rods function well in lower light levels and detect varying degrees of brightness.

Rods contain a photopigment called rhodopsin that enables them to capture light efficiently, allowing for perception in dark or poorly lit environments. They outnumber cones in the retina, which contributes to our ability to see shades of gray in darkness. This sensitivity to light makes rods essential for night vision, as they can detect even minimal light signals.

Pigment cells do not directly participate in vision but provide structural support and contamination. Neurons are crucial for transmitting signals from photoreceptors to the brain but are not specifically involved in the light detection mechanism itself, while cones, as mentioned, have a different role geared towards bright light and color vision. Therefore, rods are the correct choice for this question.