microscope

Mechanical Parts

Parts used to support and adjust the microscope.

Base

The bottommost portion that supports the entire/lower microscope.

Pillar

Part above the base that supports the other parts.

Inclination Joint

Allows for tilting of the microscope for convenience of the user.

Arm/Neck

Curved/slanted part which is held while carrying the microscope.

Stage

Platform where the object to be examined is placed.

Stage Clips

Secures the specimen to the stage.

Stage Opening

Opening on the stage where light passes through.

Body Tube

Attached to the arm and bears the lenses.

Draw Tube

Cylindrical structure on top of the body tube that holds the ocular lenses.

Revolving/Rotating Nosepiece

Rotating disc where the objectives are attached.

Dust Shield

Lies atop the nosepiece and keeps dust from settling on the objectives.

Coarse Adjustment Knob

Geared to the body tube which elevates or lowers when rotated, bringing the object into approximate focus.

Fine Adjustment Knob

A smaller knob for delicate focusing, bringing the object into perfect focus.

Condenser Adjustment Knob

Elevates and lowers the condenser to regulate the intensity of light.

Iris Diaphragm Lever

Lever in front of the condenser and which is moved horizontally to open/close the diaphragm.

Illuminating Parts

Parts used to provide light for the microscope.

Mirror

Located beneath the stage and has concave and plane surfaces to gather and direct light in order to illuminate the object.

Electric Lamp

A built-in illuminator beneath the stage that may be used if sunlight is not preferred or is not available.

Substage/Iris Diaphragm

Regulates the amount of light necessary to obtain a clearer view of the object.

Condenser

A set of lenses between the mirror and the stage that concentrates light rays on the specimen.

Magnifying Parts

Parts used to enlarge the specimen.

Ocular/Eyepiece

Another set of lens found on top of the body tube which functions to further magnify the image produced by the objective lenses. It usually ranges from 5x to 15x.

Objectives

Metal cylinders attached below the nosepiece and contain specially ground and polished lenses.

LPO/Low Power Objective

Gives the lowest magnification, usually 10x.

HPO/High Power Objective

Gives higher magnification, usually 40x or 43x.

010/Oil Immersion Objective

Gives the highest magnification, usually 97x or 100x, and is used wet either with cedar wood oil or synthetic oil.