In the trichromatic theory, which cone type responds best to short wavelengths?

The trichromatic theory of color vision posits that our perception of color is based on the activity of three types of cone cells in the retina, each sensitive to different ranges of wavelengths of light. The cones are often referred to as L (long wavelength), M (medium wavelength), and S (short wavelength).

The cone type that responds best to short wavelengths is the one associated with the color blue-violet. These short-wavelength cones are most responsive to light in the blue part of the spectrum, typically around 400-495 nanometers. Consequently, when light at these short wavelengths hits the retina, the blue-violet sensitive cones are activated more intensely than the others, leading to the perception of these colors.

This understanding is fundamental in explaining how humans can distinguish between various colors based on the relative activation of these three cone types. Recognizing that blue-violet cones specifically respond to shorter wavelengths provides insight into how color vision works at a physiological level.