Microscope Components

arm

connects the base and head of the microscope

mechanical stage

holds the slide in position using spring clips or clamps

mechanical stage control

moves the mechanical stage and slide

stage

platform that the slide rests on

coarse adjustment knob

used for initial focusing of the slide image

fine adjustment knob

used for precise focusing after coarse focusing

base

supports the microscope

light control

turns the microscope light source on/off

ocular lenses

eyepieces used to view the magnified image

rotating nosepiece

holds the objective lenses and allows switching between them

objective lenses

magnify the slide sample image

condenser

concentrates light on the specimen

substage light

light source for the microscope

condenser knob

regulates the height of condenser