Microscope Parts and Functions

Vocabulary flashcards covering key microscope parts and their functions.

Condenser

Collects light from the light source and focuses it on the specimen.

Arm

Connects the head of the microscope to the base; used to carry the microscope.

Base

Bottom part of the microscope that provides support and houses the light source.

Coarse focus adjustment knob

Used to quickly bring the specimen into focus; should be used only with the scanning objective lens.

Condenser focus knob

Moves the condenser up and down to adjust the focus of light on the specimen.

Eyepiece

The part at the top of the microscope that houses the ocular lens.

Fine focus adjustment knob

Used to finely tune focus, especially with higher power objective lenses; helps prevent damage to the slide or lens.

Iris diaphragm

Controls the amount of light reaching the specimen; used to adjust contrast.

Mechanical stage

Platform where the slide is placed; can be moved with stage controls to center or locate items.

Objective lens

Primary source of magnification; includes scanning, low-power, high-power, and oil immersion lenses.

Oil immersion objective lens

Requires immersion oil to reduce refraction and preserve resolution.

Immersion oil

Oil used with the oil immersion objective to improve light transmission and resolution.

Ocular lens

The lens located within the eyepiece; the part you view through.

Revolving nosepiece

Houses the objective lenses and rotates to select different objectives.

Stage control knobs

Move the mechanical stage to relocate or center the specimen within the field of view.

Scanning objective lens

The lowest-power objective lens used to initially view the specimen.

Low power objective lens

Higher magnification than scanning; used after locating the specimen.

High power objective lens

Higher magnification for detailed viewing; used with careful focusing to avoid contact with the slide.