Microscope Overview

A set of 30 vocabulary flashcards relevant to the concepts and components of microscopes.

What is the function of the Body Tube?

It contains the ocular lens which magnifies the image.

What is the purpose of the Revolving Nosepiece?

It swivels to change the different objective lenses (Low, Medium, and High Power).

What is the role of the Objective Lens?

It magnifies the image and is available in Low, Medium, and High Power.

What are Stage Clips used for?

They hold the slide in place on the stage.

What does the Diaphragm control?

It controls the amount of light reaching the specimen.

What is the function of the Light/Lamp?

It illuminates the specimen for viewing.

What does the Eyepiece (Ocular Lens) do?

It magnifies the image for the observer.

What is the Arm of the microscope used for?

It is used as a handle to carry the microscope safely.

What is the Stage?

The platform where the slide is placed for observation.

When is the Course Adjustment Knob used?

It is used for focusing the image when using the low power objective lens.

When is the Fine Adjustment Knob used?

It is used for sharpening the focus when using medium and high power objective lenses.

What is the Base?

The bottom of the microscope, used to support the instrument and carry it with a second hand.

How is Total Magnification (TM) calculated?

It is calculated by multiplying the magnification of the objective lens by the magnification of the eyepiece.

What is the Total Magnification (TM) on Low Power?

The image is 40 times larger (4 \times 10).

What is the Total Magnification (TM) on Medium Power?

The image is 100 times larger (10 \times 10).

What is the Total Magnification (TM) on High Power?

The image is 400 times larger (40 \times 10).

What are the requirements for Drawing Biological Diagrams?

You must include a title, the total magnification, labels correctly aligned on the right, and ensure the drawing is accurate.

What is a Wet Mount?

A method of preparing a specimen using water and a cover slip.

What is the purpose of a Cover Slip?

It is used to cover the specimen and prevent the formation of air bubbles.

What defines Magnification?

The process of enlarging the physical appearance of an object.

What is a Specimen?

An individual item or part used to represent a larger group or organism.

What does it mean to Focus?

To adjust the lens system so that the resulting image is clear and sharp.

What is the Field of View?

The extent of the observable area that is visible through the microscope lenses.

What does Scale refer to in biological diagrams?

A relative size or ratio used when drawing an accurate representation of a specimen.

Why should a Sharp Pencil be used for diagrams?

It is recommended for drawing precise diagrams without using color.

What is the Stipple technique?

A drawing technique involving dots used to show contrast or density instead of shading.

What are Label Lines?

Lines used to connect specific labels to the corresponding parts of a biological diagram.

Why are Air Bubbles a problem in wet mounts?

They are unwanted pockets of air that can obstruct or distort the view of the specimen.

What are Adjust Knobs?

The controls (Course and Fine) used for focusing the microscope image.

What is a Slide?

A thin, flat piece of glass used to hold specimens for microscopic study.

What is the function of Light Control?

It is the part of the microscope that regulates the intensity of the light source.

What is an Operating Procedure?

The step-by-step instructions for the proper and safe use of a microscope.

What is the correct way to handle Storage?

The proper method to clean and put away the microscope after use to prevent damage.

What does it mean to Magnify?

To make an object appear larger than its actual physical size.