Compound Light Microscope

Mechanical Parts, Illuminating Parts, Magnifying Parts

The Three Main Parts of a Microscope

Base, Pillar, Inclination Joint, Adjustment Screws, Arm/Handle, Dust Shield, Rotating Nosepiece/Turret, Stage, Stage Clip, Mirror Rack, Body Tube, Draw Tube

What are the mechanical parts of a microscope?

Base

Maybe Y, U or square-shaped stand that supports the microscope

Pillar

It is the short piece of metal attached to one end of the base. It also supports the microscope.

Inclination Joint

It is found at the junction of the pillar and the handle. It is used to tilt the microscope.

Adjustment Screws/Knobs

It is the two pairs of wheels attached to either side of the body tube.

Coarse Adjustment Screws/Knobs

It is the bigger wheels used to adjust the low power objectives (4 - 10x) when focusing

Fine Adjustment Screws/Knobs

It is the smaller wheels for delicate focusing in connection with the high power objectives and oil immersion objectives. It is also used to make the specimen more clear and vivid. (40x)

Arm or Handle

It is the curved metallic part arising from the pillar. It is used to hold the microscope.

Dust Shield

It is a thin circular structure at the lower end of the body tube. It is used to protect the objective and the specimen from dust.

Rotating Nosepiece or Turret

It is a circular structure at the lower end of the body tube to which the objectives are attached.

Stage

It is a square platform with an opening at the center. It is where the slide is placed during focusing.

Stage Clip

These are paired structures on either side as the stage. It is used to hold the slide in place during focusing.

Mirror Rack

It is found below the stage and attached to the pillar. It holds the mirror.

Body Tube

This is the cylindrical structure arising vertically from the handle. it holds the dust shield of the nosepiece with the objectives at the lower end.

Draw Tube

It is the upper smaller end of the body tube bearing the eyepiece or ocular.

Mirror and Iris Diaphragm

What are the Illuminating parts of a microscope?

Mirror

It is found below the stage near the base provided with concaved and plane surfaces. It is used to collect light for the specimen.

Iris Diaphragm

It is found below the stage consisting of regularly arranged circular blades used to regulate a central opening to decrease or increase the light reflected on the specimen.

Ocular/Eyepiece, Objectives, Abbe Condenser

What are the Magnifying Parts of a Microscope?

Ocular/Eyepiece

It is found on the drawtube through which the operator peeps during actual focusing.

Objectives

These are tube-like structures attached to the revolving nosepiece.

4x

Magnification of the scanner

10x

Magnification of the LPO

40x

Magnification of the HPO

100x

Magnification of the OIO

Low Power Objective

LPO

High Power Objective

HPO

Oil Immersion Objective

OIO

Abbe Condenser

It is a lens found immediately beneath the hole of the stage. It is used to concentrate light rays on the specimen.