What type of photoreceptors are most dense at the periphery of the retina?

Rods are the type of photoreceptors that are most dense at the periphery of the retina. They are responsible for low-light vision, making them particularly sensitive to dim light. This characteristic is crucial for night vision and peripheral awareness, as rods allow individuals to see in dark or poorly lit conditions where colors are less discernible.

The distribution of rods and cones across the retina reflects their different roles in vision. Cones, which are concentrated in the fovea at the center of the retina, are responsible for color vision and visual acuity in bright light. In contrast, rods populate the peripheral regions, enabling them to function effectively in low-light situations.

Bipolar cells and ganglion cells serve as intermediaries between the photoreceptors and the optic nerve, processing and transmitting visual information, but they do not contribute directly to the perception of light. Consequently, understanding the function and distribution of rods is crucial to grasp how peripheral vision operates in varying lighting conditions.