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Which retinal receptors are primarily responsible for vision in low light at night?

Choices

  • Cones, concentrated in the center of the retina

    Cones give color vision in daylight but are nearly blind in darkness.

  • ✓ Rods, located around the periphery of the retinacorrect

    Rods detect dim light and motion and are the basis of night vision.

  • Both rods and cones equally

    Cones contribute little in darkness; rods dominate night vision.

  • The optic nerve fibers themselves

    The optic nerve transmits signals; it does not sense light.

Why

Rods surround the central cones and respond to dim light and motion (without color), making them the receptors that provide night vision.

FAA source: PHAK Ch. 17 / AIM 8-1-6browse the reference library →

This is taught in How the Eye Sees at Night — study the lessons free, then practice with grading and mastery tracking.

Original study question written for this course — representative of FAA knowledge-test topics, not an actual current FAA exam question.

Which retinal receptors are primarily responsible for vision in low l… · PPL Free Ground School