Which part of the eye is responsible for peripheral vision and low-light conditions?

The part of the eye responsible for peripheral vision and functioning under low-light conditions is the rods. These photoreceptors are highly sensitive to light, making them essential for seeing in dimly lit environments. Rods are concentrated in the peripheral regions of the retina, which allows for the detection of movement and shapes outside the central vision.

In contrast to rods, cones are responsible for color vision and visual acuity in bright light but are not as effective in low-light settings. Retinal ganglion cells play a role in processing visual information but do not directly detect light. The fovea, located at the center of the retina, is densely packed with cones and is crucial for sharp central vision, further differentiating it from the role of rods. Thus, rods are integral for peripheral vision and seeing in low-light conditions.