Microscope Anatomy and Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering all labeled components and structures of the microscope from the lecture slide.

Microscope Diagram

An illustrated diagram showing the structural parts of a compound microscope including lenses, stage, light source, and focus controls.

Ocular Lenses

The eyepieces located at the top of the microscope head used to view the magnified image of a specimen.

Objective Lenses

The primary magnifying lenses mounted on the nosepiece, available in magnifications such as $10X$, $40X$, and $100X$.

Rotating Nosepiece

The revolving component below the head that holds multiple objective lenses and enables switching between magnifications.

Stage

The flat surface where the microscope slide holding the specimen is placed for viewing.

Mechanical Stage Adjustment Knobs

Knobs used to precisely move the specimen slide position on the stage.

Coarse Adjustment Knob

The larger control knob used for initial, broad focusing of the specimen.

Fine Adjustment Knob

The smaller control knob used for precise, detailed focus adjustments to sharpen the specimen image.

Condenser

The optical lens system situated below the stage that concentrates light from the substage light onto the specimen.

Iris Diaphragm Lever

A lever on the condenser used to regulate the aperture size and control the amount of light reaching the specimen.

Substage Light

The built-in light source positioned in the base of the microscope that illuminates the specimen from below.

Light Adjustment Dial

A dial located near the base used to adjust the brightness and intensity of the substage light.

Base

The bottom structural foundation that supports the entire microscope.

Arm

The upright structural component connecting the base to the microscope head.

Carrying Handle

An integrated portion on the back structure of the arm used for safely lifting and carrying the microscope.

Head

The top body section of the microscope that houses optics and supports the ocular lenses.