Approximately how far apart are S cones?

Approximately how far apart are S cones?

• A. About 2 arc min
• B. About 4 arc min
• C. About 6 arc min
• D. About 8 arc min

Answer: (C)

S cones are much less numerous than the L and M cones, so they’re spaced farther apart on the retina. This sparser distribution means the centers of neighboring S cones are about 6 arc minutes apart in the central retina, which corresponds to a larger sampling interval for blue light signals than for the other cone types. That spacing best fits what’s observed in human retinal mosaics, making it the most accurate choice. Values like 2 or 4 arc minutes would imply a denser S-cone population than actually exists, while 8 arc minutes would be a bit too sparse compared to typical measurements.

S cones are much less numerous than the L and M cones, so they’re spaced farther apart on the retina. This sparser distribution means the centers of neighboring S cones are about 6 arc minutes apart in the central retina, which corresponds to a larger sampling interval for blue light signals than for the other cone types. That spacing best fits what’s observed in human retinal mosaics, making it the most accurate choice. Values like 2 or 4 arc minutes would imply a denser S-cone population than actually exists, while 8 arc minutes would be a bit too sparse compared to typical measurements.