Rod cells are specialized photoreceptor cells found in the retina of the eye. They are responsible for vision in low-light conditions and are highly sensitive to light. Rod cells contain a pigment called rhodopsin, which helps them detect light and convert it into electrical signals that the brain interprets as images. Unlike cone cells, which are responsible for color vision and function best in bright light, rod cells do not detect color. Instead, they provide black-and-white vision, making them essential for night vision and peripheral vision. Together, rod and cone cells enable humans to see in various lighting conditions.