True or false: Women see more colours than men

The ability to perceive and distinguish colours is a fascinating aspect of human vision, but did you know that there may be differences between men and women in this regard? 

Neuroscientist and content creator Emily McDonald in her latest reel, says, “Fun fact of the day is that women can often see more colours than men and this is because the genes that are responsible for determining how we detect colour are located on the X chromosome. Women have two X chromosomes, men only have one.”

 

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A post shared by Emily McDonald (@emonthebrain) 

Dr Vinutha G, senior consultant gynaecologist and women health expert at Athreya Super Speciality Hospital Bengaluru agrees with McDonald. She says, “The neurological basis for differences in colour vision between men and women primarily lies in the genetic and structural differences in the eyes and brain. Women typically have two X chromosomes, while men have one X and one Y chromosome. Since the genes responsible for the development of cone cells (which detect colour) are located on the X chromosome, women have a potential advantage. If a woman has variations in these genes on each X chromosome, she may have a broader range of cone cell types, potentially allowing her to perceive a wider spectrum of colours.”

Role of cone cells in colour perception

Cone cells in the retina are crucial for colour perception. There are three types of cone cells, says Dr Vinutha, each sensitive to different wavelengths of light: short (S), medium (M), and long (L). These cells work together to create the perception of colour by processing different wavelengths of light and sending this information to the brain.

In women, the presence of two X chromosomes means they can have more variations of cone cells. “According to research published in the journal Vision Research, some women possess a fourth type of cone cell, which can enhance their colour discrimination capabilities, potentially allowing them to perceive subtle differences in hues that men might not see. This is less common in men due to their single X chromosome,” she adds. 

Neurological or hormonal factors that could contribute to differences in colour perception 

Dr Vinutha states that there are several neurological and hormonal factors that might influence colour perception differences. “Hormonal variations, particularly oestrogen, can affect the retina and visual cortex, potentially enhancing colour sensitivity. A study in the Journal of Vision found that oestrogen influences the activity of cone cells and the neural pathways involved in colour processing.”

Women tend to have more densely packed neurons in the primary visual cortex (Source: Freepik)

Neurologically, she elaborates, differences in the brain’s visual processing areas can also play a role. Women typically have a larger primary visual cortex relative to brain size, which might contribute to more detailed colour perception. This structural difference, combined with hormonal influences, can lead to women perceiving colours differently from men.

How do brain regions involved in processing visual information differ in their functioning between men and women?

Dr Vinutha talks about the key areas in the brain responsible for processing visual information, including colour – namely the occipital lobe and visual cortex. Studies have shown that these regions can function differently in men and women, she says. “According to research in NeuroImage, women tend to have more densely packed neurons in the primary visual cortex, which may enhance their ability to process fine visual details, including colour nuances.”

Additionally, functional MRI studies have revealed that women often show greater activation in multiple regions of the brain when engaged in tasks involving colour discrimination compared to men. This suggests a more integrated and widespread neural network for processing colour information, potentially leading to enhanced colour perception.

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