About trichromatic colour vision (Trichromacy)
Trichromatic colour theory explains how the human eye perceives colour.
- Trichromatic colour theory is based on the existence of three types of light-sensitive cone cells in the retina, each responsive to a different range of colours.
- The colours we perceive result from the combined responses of all three types of cones.
- The sensitivity of cone cells forms the physiological basis for trichromatic colour vision in humans.
- The ability to see colour stems from interactions among the three types of cones, with each cone exhibiting a preference for specific wavelengths within the visible spectrum.
- The three cone types are denoted by the initials L (responsive to long wavelengths), M (responsive to medium wavelengths), and S (responsive to short wavelengths).
- L-type cones exhibit the highest responsiveness to light with long wavelengths, favouring wavelengths around 560 nm.
- M-type cones exhibit the highest responsiveness to light with medium wavelengths, favouring wavelengths around 530 nm.
- S-type cones exhibit the highest responsiveness to light with short wavelengths, favouring wavelengths around 420 nm.