ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Photoreceptor cell

Photoreceptor cells are like tiny little cameras that help us see. Just like how a camera captures an image by letting in light through its lens, photoreceptor cells in our eyes capture light that enters through our pupils. These cells are located in the back of our eyes in an area called the retina.

When light enters our eyes, it hits these photoreceptor cells and activates them. These cells contain special chemicals called pigments that react to the light and send signals to our brain. Our brain then processes these signals to create the images that we see.

There are two main types of photoreceptor cells: rods and cones. Rods are most sensitive to low levels of light and help us see in dimly lit areas. They also help us differentiate between different shades of gray. Cones, on the other hand, are responsible for color vision and sharp detail. We have three types of cones that help us see different colors: red, green, and blue.

Overall, photoreceptor cells are incredibly important for our vision. Without them, we wouldn't be able to see anything at all!