parts of the binocular microscope

Binocular tube

Holds two eyepieces or oculars

Oculars (eyepieces)

Two lenses positioned in binocular tube; magnifies image 10x

Interpupillary distance scale

Distance between oculars

Diopter adjustment ring

Ring at base of left eye piece; used to focus the left ocular after the right ocular is focus using the right eye and course and fine adjustment knobs

Stand/arm

Used to carry microscope

Revolving nose piece

Revolving plate which holds objective lenses

Objectives

Four lenses which magnify the image: scanning objective Magnify 4X; low power objective, magnifies 10 X; high/dry power objective, magnifies 40 X; Oil immersion objective, (longest objective) magnifies 100 X

Stage

Platform containing a central opening; contains a specimen holder with a spring-loaded finger

Mechanical stage

Device which holds the microscope slide in place and moves it along the stage. The control knobs for the mechanical stage are located below the stage and move the slide from side to side and forwards and backwards.

Condenser

Group of lenses below the stage which directs and concentrates the light beam from the lamp to the specimen

Diaphragm lever

Adjusts the amount of light passing through the condenser; controls brightness

Coarse adjustment knob

Focuses image by raising and lowering the stage. Turning the knob clockwise, away from you, raises the stage; counterclockwise lowers the stage.

Fine adjustment knob

Small knob in center of coarse adjustment knob used for final focus focusing

Base

Bottom support; houses lamp

Lamp

Light source; a tungsten bulb

Voltage control (dial or slide)

Controls intensity of light from lamp

Power switch

Switch on front which turns on lamp; indicator lamp shines when light is on