Microscope Vocab!

microscope

An instrument that makes small objects look larger

arm

where you hold the microscope to carry it.

base

the portion of the microscope that sits on the table and supports the microscope

revolving nosepiece

This is the part that holds two or more objective lenses and can be rotated to easily change

high power objective lens

provides a magnification of 40x and is the longest objective

medium power objective lens

provides a magnification of 10x and is the middle objective

low power objective lens

provides a magnification of 4x and is the shortest objective

Eyepiece lens

the lens at the top of the microscope that you look through. It magnifies 10x

body tube

Connects the eyepiece to the objective lenses. Light passes through it.

diaphragm

part of the microscope that controls the amount of light to the object being viewed

stage

the flat platform where you place the slide

stage clips

Holds the slide in place

light source

Projects light upward through the diaphragm, the specimen, and the lenses

Course Adjustment Knob

knob that raises and lowers the stage on a microscope, when focusing on a specimen, always start with this. Never use this when you're looking at a slide under high power.

Fine Adjustment Knob

moves the stage very slightly to bring the image into sharper focus. This is the only knob you should use under high power.