Microscope components

Eyepiece or Ocular Lenses

Final magnification of specimen image

Interpupillary Distance Scale/Adjustment

Adjust the ocular lenses to match the distance between the observer’s pupils. Necessary to see image in 3D

Observation Tube Clamping Screw

Used to enable the Head of the microscope to rotate

Arm

Main body of the microscope that connects the head of the scope to the base. One of two carry points for the microscope

Revolving Nosepiece

Also known as Turret, mounting point for the objective lenses, allows observer to change magnification

Objective Lenses

Provides for the initial magnification of specimen image. Each is color coded and marked with magnification power

Mechanical Stage

platform upon which the specimen slide is moved in two dimensions to scan the slide and a third dimension to focus

Specimen Holder

also known as Slide Clip, holds microscope slide in position so that it can be moved precisely

Coarse Adjustment Knob

makes large and fast vertical movements of the stage to rapidly change focus. Is only used when viewing with the scanning or low power objective lens

Fine Adjustment Knob - makes small and slow vertical movements of the stage to slowly and precisely change focus

Specimen Manipulation Controls

moves the slide clip in two dimensions so that observer can view different areas of the slide without changes focus

Base

Main body of the microscope, contains light source and its controls; second of two carry points for the microscope

Arm Rests

textured areas used to steady hands when manipulating microscope controls

Power Switch

Control that turns power to the microscope light source on and off

Voltage Control Dial

controls the amount of power going to the light source, varying its intensity in large increments; numbered 1 to 10

Power Cord

supplies electricity to the microscope

Condenser Clamping Screw

Holds the condenser in place

Aperture Iris Diaphragm Lever

Adjust intensity of image in precise increments; left increases intensity, right decreases intensity

Filter Holder

used to mount colored filters for specialized viewing procedures

Condenser - a lens assembly that focuses all the light directly on the image; required to view images on a bacterial scale

Pre-Focusing Lever

Locks the Coarse Focus Knobs in position so that observer can’t use them when viewing with other than the scanning objective; Down unlocks these knobs

Fuse Holder

location of fuse for light source

Power Cord Receptacle

socket into which the power cord plugs in

Condenser Height Adjustment Knob

raises and lowers the condenser for specialized viewing procedures, normally condenser is in the full up position

Filter Mount

additional mounting point for colored filters used in specialized viewing procedures