Which cells are responsible for color vision and focus in bright light?

Cones are the specialized photoreceptor cells in the retina responsible for color vision and visual acuity in bright light conditions. They function optimally in well-lit environments, allowing us to perceive a range of colors and fine details due to their higher density in the fovea, the part of the retina that provides the clearest vision. The human eye contains three types of cones, each sensitive to different wavelengths of light corresponding to blue, green, and red, which work together to enable our perception of a full spectrum of colors.

Rods, while also crucial for vision, primarily function in low-light conditions and are responsible for peripheral and night vision, rather than color detection. The optic nerve plays a role in transmitting visual information from the retina to the brain but is not involved in the function of color detection or focus itself. "Photoreceptors" is a broader term encompassing both rods and cones, so while it describes the general category of cells responsible for light detection, it does not specifically identify the cells responsible for color vision and focus in bright light. Thus, cones are the correct answer for this specific role.