Which cells in the retina are primarily responsible for night vision?

Rod cells are primarily responsible for night vision because they are highly sensitive to light and can function well in low-light conditions. Unlike cone cells, which are responsible for color vision and function best in bright light, rod cells contain a pigment called rhodopsin that enables them to detect very low levels of light. This makes them essential for peripheral vision and seeing in dim environments, contributing to overall visual acuity during nighttime or dark conditions.

Bipolar cells and ganglion cells are integral parts of the neural pathway for processing visual information in the retina, but they do not directly sense light. Instead, they relay signals from photoreceptors (which include rod and cone cells) to the brain, thereby playing a supporting role but not being directly involved in the initial detection of light for night vision.