Overview
This presentation explains the main parts of a compound light microscope and describes the function of each component.
Main Parts of the Microscope
- Eyepiece Lens (Ocular Lens): The first point of magnification, usually 10x or 15x. This is the lens you look through.
- Barrel (Body Tube): Connects the eyepiece lens to the objective lenses.
- Arm: Supports the microscope, raising the objective lenses above the stage. Also used for carrying the microscope.
- Objective Lenses: The second point of magnification. Mounted on a revolving nosepiece and color-coded: 4x (red), 10x (yellow), 40x (blue), and 100x oil immersion (gray).
- Stage: The platform where the slide is placed for viewing. The slide is held by slide clips and the stage can be moved in four directions using stage controls.
- Coarse and Fine Focus Knobs: Move the stage toward or away from the objective lenses. The coarse focus brings the specimen into focus, while the fine focus sharpens the detail.
- Lamp: The light source for the microscope, with adjustable brightness.
- Diaphragm: A rotating disc under the stage that controls the intensity of light passing through the slide.
- Base: The bottom support of the microscope. The base should be held along with the arm when carrying the microscope.
Key Terms and Definitions
- Eyepiece Lens (Ocular Lens): The lens at the top of the microscope for initial magnification.
- Barrel (Body Tube): Connects the eyepiece to the objective lenses.
- Arm: The supporting structure for the body tube and lenses; also used for carrying.
- Objective Lenses: Multiple lenses with different magnifications, mounted on a rotating nosepiece and color-coded.
- Stage: The platform for placing slides, with clips to hold the slide in place.
- Stage Controls: Allow movement of the stage and slide in four directions.
- Coarse Focus Knob: Moves the stage for general focusing.
- Fine Focus Knob: Fine-tunes the focus for detail.
- Lamp: Provides light for viewing the specimen.
- Diaphragm: Adjusts the amount of light passing through the slide.
- Base: The bottom part that provides stability and support.
Actions / Next Steps
- Study and memorize the names, locations, and functions of each microscope part.
- Practice identifying each part on a real or diagrammatic microscope.
- Review proper handling and carrying of the microscope using the arm and base.
- Familiarize yourself with focusing and adjusting light for optimal viewing.