Final answer:
The fovea contains only the cone type of photoreceptor cell, which is responsible for sharp vision and color perception in bright light.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fovea, the middle section of the retina, contains only one type of photoreceptor cell: the cone. This region of the retina is responsible for sharp central vision (“visual acuity”) since the fovea has a high density of cones and does not contain the other type of photoreceptor, the rod, which is more prevalent in the peripheral regions of the retina and specializes in low-light and peripheral vision. As a result of the concentration of cone cells, the fovea is the location of the clearest vision, especially in bright light and for color perception.
The cone photoreceptors are each connected to a single retinal ganglion cell (RGC), which allows for the high-resolution vision necessary for tasks like reading and distinguishing fine details. Contrastingly, the rods are located more towards the periphery of the retina and share RGCs at a higher ratio, contributing to less precise vision. The specific adaptation of cones at the fovea exemplifies the specialization of this area for detailed, color vision, opposed to the rods that are adapted for vision under low-light conditions.