Microscope Structure and Usage

Vocabulary flashcards covering microscope components, types, magnification powers, handling procedures, and steps for specimen focusing.

Microscope

An instrument that produces an enlarged image of an object.

Compound light microscope

The type of light microscope utilized in class.

Electron Microscope

A microscope that is more powerful than a light microscope and uses a beam of electrons rather than light.

Scanning Electron Microscope

An electron microscope that produces a 3-D image.

Transmission Electron Microscope

A microscope that directs a beam of electrons through a thin slice of specimen and cannot be used with a living specimen.

Base

The part of the microscope that holds the light or mirror and connects to the arm to hold the other parts of the scope together.

Arm

The part of the microscope that holds the base of the microscope with the objectives and eyepiece.

Proper way to carry a microscope

One hand on the arm and one hand under the base.

Stage

The part of the microscope that supports the slide.

Clip (stage clip)

The component that holds the slide in place on the stage.

Light (mirror)

The light source of the microscope.

Diaphragm

The component that controls the amount of light passing through the object to be viewed.

Body Tube

The structure that directs light from the objects to the eye.

Nosepiece

The part of the microscope that holds the objectives.

Eyepiece

The lens where the eye looks through, providing a magnification of $10\times$.

Coarse Adjustment

The higher, larger knob used to bring an object into focus under low power.

Fine Adjustment

The lower, small knob used to fine-tune focus under low power and to focus under high power.

Scanning Objective

The shortest, red objective lens ($4\times$) used with large objects, yielding a total magnification of $40\times$ when combined with the $10\times$ eyepiece.

Low Power Objective

The medium, yellow objective lens ($10\times$) that yields a total magnification of $100\times$ when combined with the $10\times$ eyepiece.

High Power Objective

The longest, green objective lens with the greatest magnification ($40\times$), yielding a total magnification of $400\times$ when combined with the $10\times$ eyepiece.

Steps for locating a specimen under the microscope

1. Put specimen on the glass slide and place cover on top. 2. Place slide on stage under the low power (yellow) objective. 3. Use coarse adjustment (large knob) to bring into focus. 4. Use fine adjustment (small knob) to fine tune image. 5. Move slide so it is on the pointer if you have one. 6. Move high power objective into place. 7. Use fine adjustment knob to bring into focus. 8. Remove slide, dispose of cover slide, wash and dry slide, and return to box.