B1.1.3 - Light Microscopy

Light Microscope

An instrument that uses visible light and lenses to magnify small objects, allowing us to observe details of cells and their structures.

Magnification

The process of enlarging the appearance of an object. In microscopy, it's calculated as: Magnification = Image Size / Actual Size.

Resolution

The ability of a microscope to distinguish between two points that are close together. Higher resolution provides clearer and more detailed images.

Staining

The technique of adding dyes to specimens to enhance contrast, making specific structures within cells more visible under the microscope.

Slide Preparation

The process of placing a specimen on a glass slide for microscopic examination. This often involves: Fixing: Preserving the specimen's structure; Sectioning: Cutting the specimen into thin slices; Mounting: Placing the specimen on the slide and covering it with a cover slip.

Objective Lens

The lens closest to the specimen, which gathers light and magnifies the image. Microscopes often have multiple objective lenses with varying magnification powers.

Eyepiece Lens (Ocular Lens)

The lens you look through at the top of the microscope, which further magnifies the image produced by the objective lens.

Total Magnification

The combined magnifying power of the eyepiece and objective lenses. Calculated as: Total Magnification = Eyepiece Magnification × Objective Magnification.

Field of View

The visible area observed through the microscope. As magnification increases, the field of view decreases.

Depth of Field

The thickness of the specimen that is in focus at any one time. Higher magnification reduces the depth of field.