The cones in human eyes are wired to be particularly sensitive to certain wavelengths of the visible spectrum. These wavelengths are classified as either “S” (short wavelengths) that respond to wavelengths measuring around 430 nm; “M” (or medium wavelengths) that respond to wavelengths measuring around 530 nm; and “L” (long wavelengths) that respond to wavelengths measuring around 560 nm (Brynie, 2009, p. 118). These three cones are also classified by color: blue (S), green (M), and red (L); however, this does not mean that they only pick up on these colors alone (Brynie, 2009). Individually, each cone is able to respond to a wide variety of wavelengths. Their designation as either S, M, or L cones stems primarily from the wavelength measurement (and associated color) that elicits the strongest response.
Remarkably, the human eye’s blue-yellow and red-green systems are different. In our cones, one system responds to “S” wavelengths but compares them to the “L” and “M” cones whereas the other system extracts information from the “L” and “M” cone responses to certain wavelengths (Neitz, Carroll, & Neitz, 2001). Yellow-Green light activates the “L” and “M” cones but barely stimulates the “S” cones. Red light stimulates the “L” cones more than “M” and barely stimulates the “S” cones, whereas blue-green light stimulates “M” cones more than “L” cones and “S” cones (Neitz, Carroll, & Neitz, 2001). Humans are able to see various hues of colors when the cone systems work together. Different colors are recognized when the various types of cones are all stimulated to different degrees (Brynie, 2009).
Remarkably, the human eye’s blue-yellow and red-green systems are different. In our cones, one system responds to “S” wavelengths but compares them to the “L” and “M” cones whereas the other system extracts information from the “L” and “M” cone responses to certain wavelengths (Neitz, Carroll, & Neitz, 2001). Yellow-Green light activates the “L” and “M” cones but barely stimulates the “S” cones. Red light stimulates the “L” cones more than “M” and barely stimulates the “S” cones, whereas blue-green light stimulates “M” cones more than “L” cones and “S” cones (Neitz, Carroll, & Neitz, 2001). Humans are able to see various hues of colors when the cone systems work together. Different colors are recognized when the various types of cones are all stimulated to different degrees (Brynie, 2009).