Microscope Parts and Magnification (Vocabulary)

Vocabulary flashcards covering microscope parts and magnification concepts.

Base

The bottom of the microscope that provides support and stability.

Arm

Connects the base to the head of the microscope and is used to carry the microscope.

Stage

Flat platform where you place the slide with the specimen; stage clips hold the slide in place.

Stage Clips

Clamps that hold the slide in place on the stage.

Nosepiece

Rotating turret that holds the objective lenses.

Coarse Adjustment Knob

Large knob used for initial focusing; moves the stage up and down in large increments and should only be used with low-power objective lenses.

Fine Adjustment Knob

Small knob used for precise focusing to achieve a sharp image; used with high-power objective lenses.

Body Tube

Connects the eyepiece to the objective lenses, maintaining the correct distance between them.

Diaphragm

Rotating disk under the stage that controls the amount of light passing through the specimen.

Eyepiece (Ocular Lens)

The lens you look through to view the specimen; typically magnifies 10x.

Objective Lenses

Main magnifying lenses located on the nosepiece; commonly 4x, 10x, 40x, and 100x.

Light Source (Illuminator)

A steady light located at the base that shines light up through the specimen.

Condenser

Lens under the stage that focuses light from the illuminator onto the specimen.

Total Magnification

Total magnification equals the eyepiece magnification multiplied by the objective lens magnification.

Eyepiece Magnification

The magnification power of the eyepiece, typically 10x.