Biochemistry Laboratory: Microscope Basics

Vocabulary flashcards covering key microscope components and terms from the lecture notes.

Compound Microscope

A microscope with multiple objective lenses and a light source used to view small specimens (e.g., cell structures); consists of structural components and optical components.

Structural Components

Parts that provide support and housing for the microscope, including the head/body tube, arm, and base.

Head/Body Tube

The upper portion that houses the optical parts of the microscope.

Arm

Supports the microscope and houses the illuminator/mirror; connects to the base and carries the microscope head.

Base

The bottom support of the microscope that provides stability.

Illuminator

The light source used to illuminate the specimen.

Mirror

Reflects light onto the specimen when needed, often used with external illumination.

Stage

The flat platform where the specimen slides are placed for viewing.

Stage Clips

Clips that hold the slide in place on the stage.

Nosepiece (Revolving Nosepiece)

A rotating turret that holds the objectives and allows selection of different magnifications.

Objective Lenses

The primary optical lenses on a microscope; magnifications commonly 4x, 10x, 40x, and 100x.

Eyepiece/Ocular

The lens you look through; typically magnifies 10x.

Eyepiece Tube

Holds the eyepieces in place above the objective lens.

Magnification

The process of enlarging an image; for a compound microscope, eyepieces are typically 10x and objectives range from 4x to 100x.

Coarse Adjustment Knobs

Knobs used to broadly bring the specimen into focus.

Fine Adjustment Knobs

Knobs used to finely adjust focus for a sharp image.

Condenser

Concentrates light onto the specimen; located under the stage.

Iris Diaphragm

Controls the amount of light reaching the specimen; located above the condenser and below the stage.

Aperture

The opening in the stage through which light passes to illuminate the specimen.

Slide Holder

Holds the slide in place on the stage.

Light Source

The light that illuminates the specimen.

On/Off Switch

Control to turn the microscope on or off.

Diopter Adjustment

Adjusts for differences between the user’s eyes to obtain a clear image.

Body Tube

The tube that connects the eyepiece to the objective lenses.

Pillars

Support structures that help hold the stage and head in alignment.

Handle

Part of the microscope used for carrying.