Microscopy Lab Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering key microscopy terms from the lecture notes.

histology

The study of tissues and cells using microscopy.

microscopy

The technique of using a microscope to view small structures.

compound microscope

A microscope with two lens systems (objective and ocular) that provides magnified images, usually binocular.

ocular (eyepiece)

The lens you look through; typically 10x magnification and adjustable for interocular distance.

objective lens

The lens nearest the specimen; magnifications include 4x, 10x, 40x, 100x (oil); only one can be on the light path at a time.

revolving nose piece

The rotating turret that holds objectives and allows switching magnifications.

light path

The route of light from the source through the specimen to the ocular; only one objective can be on the light path.

light switch

The switch that turns the light on; Boreal base at the back, Nikon at the front.

brightness control

The dial or knob used to adjust light intensity.

stage

The flat platform that supports the slide; includes stage clips.

stage clips

Silver frames that secure the slide to the stage.

conical end

The pointed end of a stage clip that helps secure the slide.

label on slide

The label located on the left side of the slide.

iris diaphragm

The adjustable aperture that controls light intensity and contrast; opened/closed by moving left/right.

condenser

The optical assembly that concentrates light onto the specimen; located under the stage.

condenser focusing knob

The knob used to raise/lower the condenser; ensures the condenser touches the stage.

working distance

The vertical distance from the tip of the objective to the slide; decreases with higher magnification; near zero for 100x immersion.

immersion oil

Oil placed between the 100x objective and the slide to reduce refraction and improve resolution.

refractive index

A property describing how light bends between media; oil and glass are chosen to have similar indices.

lens paper

Special tissue used to clean slides and objective lenses; disposed after use.

slide

A glass slide that holds the specimen; specimens are typically stained to be seen.

objective magnification

The magnification printed on the objective (4x, 10x, 40x, 100x).

ocular magnification

The magnification of the eyepiece, typically 10x.

total magnification

The product of the objective magnification and the ocular magnification (e.g., 4x × 10x = 40x).

interocular distance

The distance between the eyes; adjusted by moving the oculars so both eyes share a single field.

pointer

The black mark in the ocular field used to indicate where a structure is located.

focusing

The process of making the specimen appear clear by adjusting the stage or objectives.

coarse focusing

The large, rapid adjustment knob used for rough focus; not used with 40x or 100x on light path.

fine focusing

The small, precise adjustment knob used to sharpen focus, especially at higher magnifications.

depth of field

The thickness of the specimen that is in focus at a given magnification; decreases with higher magnification.

field of view

The visible area under the objective; decreases with higher magnification.

oil immersion objective

The 100x objective designed to be used with immersion oil.

oil path

The path of light through oil between slide and objective, used to maintain light transmission at 100x.

cleaning sequence

Procedure to clean the lenses in order (4x, 10x, 40x, 100x) and remove oil, using lens paper.