Exercise 2 Microscopy - Parts of a Compound Light Microscope

Vocabulary flashcards covering the individual parts and corresponding functions of a compound light microscope from Table 2.1.

Head

Upper region that connects to the arm and supports the ocular lenses

Arm

Connects the head to the base

Base

Lower region that supports all other parts of the microscope

Ocular lenses

Found on the head within the eyepieces. Usually magnify specimens $10\times$

Revolving nosepiece

Rotates to switch the objective lenses

Objectives lenses

Magnifying lenses that form the primary image: scanning ($4\times$), low power ($10\times$), and high power ($40\times$)

Mechanical stage

Flat shelf the microscope slide is placed on

Stage clips

Secure microscope slide firmly in place

Mechanical stage adjustment knobs

Allow precise movement of microscope slide

Condenser

Located under the stage, this part concentrates light on the specimen.

Iris diaphragm

Regulates the amount of light reaching the specimen, enhancing contrast

Coarse adjustment knob

Moves the stage up and down during initial focusing with scanning ($4\times$) objective

Fine adjustment knob

Used to bring the specimen into sharp focus with the low- and high-power objective lenses

Light source

Light that illuminates the specimen

Light intensity knob

Adjusts the intensity of the light source