Microscope: Parts of a Microscope Diagram

Eyepiece (Ocular)

The lens the viewer looks through to see the specimen. The eyepiece usually contains a 10X or 15X power lens.

Coarse Adjustment

Brings the specimen into general focus.

Arm

When carrying the microscope... hold the microscope by the base and the _____________________________.

Objective Lens

One of the most important parts of a compound microscope, as they are the lenses closest to the specimen.

Your microscope will have 4X, 10X and 40X. The objectives magnify the specimens.

Slide

The thin piece of glass that holds your specimens under the lens.

Illuminator/Light Source

The light source for a microscope. Older microscopes used mirrors to reflect light from an external source up through the bottom of the stage; however, most microscopes now use a low-voltage bulb.

Base

The base supports the microscope and it's where illuminator is located.

Nose Piece

Holds the objectives

Body Tube

Connects the eyepiece to the nosepiece

Diaphragm

Controls the amount of light that is projected on to the slide

Stage

The flat platform where the slide is placed

Low Objective Lens

used to magnify object - 4x magnification

Medium Objective Lens

used to magnify object - 10x magnification

High Objective Lens

used to magnify object - 40x magnification