Microscopy Lecture Notes

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to microscopy, important for understanding the principles and techniques discussed in the lecture.

Microscopy

The technical field of using microscopes to view samples and objects that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Anton von Leeuwenhoek

Considered the father of microscopy; the first to document the microscopic appearance of various cells.

Ocular Lens

The lens that magnifies the specimen by an additional 10x.

Objective Lens

The lens that magnifies the image by a set amount, typically ranging from 4X to 100X.

Parfocal

A characteristic of microscopes where switching between objective lenses does not cause loss of focus.

Total Magnification

Calculated by multiplying the magnification power of the ocular lens by the objective lens.

Resolution

The ability to see two separate objects as distinct units; enhanced by factors such as the Abbe condenser.

Immersion Oil

A special oil used with the 100X lens to prevent diffraction of light and improve resolution.

Iris Diaphragm

A component that controls the amount of light entering the condenser.

Cell Morphologies

The different shapes of cells, such as cocci, bacilli, and spirochete.

Arrangements

Groups formed by multiple bacterial cells interacting together.

Troubleshooting

A process of diagnosing problems that may occur while using the microscope, such as fuzzy images or lost specimens.

Abbe Condenser

A component of the microscope designed to collect and focus light from the illuminator onto the specimen.

Coarse Adjustment Knob

The large knob on a microscope used for initial, rapid focusing of the specimen, primarily with lower power objective lenses.

Fine Adjustment Knob

The smaller knob on a microscope used for precise focusing of the specimen, especially with higher power objective lenses.

Stage

The flat platform on a microscope where the slide containing the specimen is placed for viewing.

Illuminator

The light source, usually located in the base of the microscope, that provides light for viewing the specimen.

Revolving Nosepiece

The rotating part of the microscope that holds the different objective lenses, allowing for easy switching between magnifications.

Stage Clips

Metal clips on the stage that hold the microscope slide securely in place.

Arm

The part of the microscope that connects the head to the base and is used for carrying the microscope.

Base

The bottom

Microscopy

The technical field of using microscopes to view samples and objects that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Anton von Leeuwenhoek

Considered the father of microscopy; the first to document the microscopic appearance of various cells.

Ocular Lens

The lens that magnifies the specimen by an additional 10x.

Objective Lens

The lens that magnifies the image by a set amount, typically ranging from 4X to 100X.

Parfocal

A characteristic of microscopes where switching between objective lenses does not cause loss of focus.

Total Magnification

Calculated by multiplying the magnification power of the ocular lens by the objective lens.

Resolution

The ability to see two separate objects as distinct units; enhanced by factors such as the Abbe condenser.

Immersion Oil

A special oil used with the 100X lens to prevent diffraction of light and improve resolution.

Iris Diaphragm

A component that controls the amount of light entering the condenser.

Cell Morphologies

The different shapes of cells, such as cocci, bacilli, and spirochete.

Arrangements

Groups formed by multiple bacterial cells interacting together.

Troubleshooting

A process of diagnosing problems that may occur while using the microscope, such as fuzzy images or lost specimens.

Abbe Condenser

A component of the microscope designed to collect and focus light from the illuminator onto the specimen.

Coarse Adjustment Knob

The large knob on a microscope used for initial, rapid focusing of the specimen, primarily with lower power objective lenses.

Fine Adjustment Knob

The smaller knob on a microscope used for precise focusing of the specimen, especially with higher power objective lenses.

Stage

The flat platform on a microscope where the slide containing the specimen is placed for viewing.

Illuminator

The light source, usually located in the base of the microscope, that provides light for viewing the specimen.

Revolving Nosepiece

The rotating part of the microscope that holds the different objective lenses, allowing for easy switching between magnifications.

Stage Clips

Metal clips on the stage that hold the microscope slide securely in place.

Arm

The part of the microscope that connects the head to the base and is used for carrying the microscope.

Base

The bottom support of the microscope, housing the illuminator and providing stability.

What is the primary function of the illuminator on a microscope?

The illuminator provides the light source necessary for viewing the specimen.

How should you properly carry a microscope?

A microscope should always be carried with two hands: one hand on the arm and one hand supporting the base.

What characteristic allows a microscope to remain in focus when switching between objective lenses?

The parfocal characteristic allows a microscope to remain mostly in focus when switching between objective lenses.

Why is it important to start focusing with the lowest power objective lens?

Beginning with the lowest power objective lens (e.g., 4X) allows for a wider field of view, making it easier to locate and initially focus on the specimen.

Which adjustment knob should be used for precise focusing, especially with higher power objective lenses like 40X or 100X?

The fine adjustment knob should be used for precise focusing with higher power objective lenses.

What is the purpose of the iris diaphragm?

The iris diaphragm controls the amount of light that reaches the specimen, which affects contrast and resolution.

When should immersion oil be used and why?

Immersion oil should be used with the 100X objective lens to prevent light from scattering (diffracting) and to improve the resolution and clarity of the image.

What are some common examples of bacterial cell morphologies?

Common bacterial cell morphologies include cocci (spherical), bacilli (rod-shaped), and spirochetes (spiral-shaped).

In microscopy, what does 'resolution' refer to?

Resolution is the ability to distinguish between two closely spaced objects as separate entities.

Who is often referred to as the 'father of microscopy'?

Anton von