What layer of the retina contains the rods and cones?

• A. Photoreceptors
• B. Inner limiting membrane
• C. Retinal pigment epithelium
• D. Ganglion cell layer

Answer: (A)

Rods and cones are the retina’s photoreceptor cells—the cells that detect light and start the visual signal. They are located in the photoreceptor layer, the part of the retina specialized for light detection. Their outer segments sit toward the back of the eye, interfacing with the retinal pigment epithelium, while their cell bodies are within this layer, supporting signal transduction to the next neurons. The other structures mentioned have different roles: the inner limiting membrane is just the boundary with the vitreous; the retinal pigment epithelium lies behind the photoreceptors and supports them; the ganglion cell layer contains the cell bodies of neurons that send signals to the brain, not the rods and cones themselves.