Microscope Parts and Functions

Vocabulary flashcards for microscope components and functions.

ARM

The area between the tube and the base. To carry, grip this part with one hand while supporting the base with the other hand.

BASE

The bottom support structure. To carry, grip the arm with one hand while supporting this part with the other hand.

BODY

The main section that includes components like the eyepiece and objective lenses, but not the focusing block, stand, or illuminators.

COARSE FOCUS

The larger adjustment knob that moves the objective lens in large steps to bring the specimen closer or farther.

DIAPHRAGM

A disc under the stage with adjustable openings to control the amount of light passing through the stage opening.

EYEPIECE

The lens used to view the specimen, typically adjustable for interocular distance, and commonly 10X magnification.

FINE FOCUS

The smaller adjustment knob used to fine-tune the focus on the specimen in small steps.

NOSEPIECE

The rotating structure that holds the objective lenses, allowing them to be switched.

OBJECTIVE LENSES

Lenses closest to the specimen with varying magnifications (4X, 10X, 40X, 100X).

ON/OFF SWITCH

Controls the power supply.

STAGE

The flat surface that holds the slides for observation.

OBJECTIVE MARKINGS

Labels and color-coded bands indicating the resolution and magnification of each lens.

CALCULATING MAGNIFICATION

Multiply the eyepiece power by the objective lens power to find total magnification.

OIL LENS

A high-power lens designed to be used with special oil to improve resolution.

IMMERSION OIL

Oil placed between the lens and specimen slide to focus light and increase resolution.

LIGHT REFRACTION

The bending of light, which is minimized by using immersion oil for better resolution.

HANDLING

Proper way to carry: grip the arm with one hand while supporting the base with the other.

LENS CARE

Lenses should not be touched with fingers; use appropriate tissues for cleaning.

STORAGE

Rotate to lowest power, lower nosepiece, wrap cord neatly, and replace dust cover before storage.

ABBE CONDENSER

A lens below the stage that adjusts the beam of light entering the lens system.

ACHROMATIC LENSES

Lenses that correct color refraction to produce clearer images.

ARTICULATED ARM

A stand that clamps to a table and allows movement in three dimensions.

BINOCULAR HEAD

A head with two eyepieces, one for each eye.

C-MOUNT

An adapter for attaching a video camera.

COAXIAL FOCUS

A focusing system with both coarse and fine focus knobs on a single rotation axis.

CONDENSER LENS

Focuses light onto the specimen to improve illumination and resolution.

CONTRAST PLATE

A plate that can be flipped to either black or white to enhance specimen contrast.

COVER SLIP

A thin plastic or glass square that covers the specimen on a slide.

DIN OPTICS

A German standard for lens threading and tube length compatibility.

DIOPTER ADJUSTMENT

Allows independent focusing of each eyepiece to compensate for vision differences.

DUAL HEAD

A head with two eyepieces, often for teaching or camera use.

FIELD OF VIEW

The visible diameter of light when looking through the eyepiece.

FIXED ARM

A non-movable arm used for stability in low-power microscopes.

FOCUS

The process of adjusting the distance to bring the image into sharpness.

HEAD

The upper portion containing the eyepiece tube(s) and prisms.

ILLUMINATOR

The built-in light source beneath the stage.

INCLINATION JOINT

Allows adjustment of the microscope angle for comfortable viewing.

INTERPUPILLARY ADJUSTMENT

Adjusts the distance between eyepieces for more comfortable viewing.

MECHANICAL STAGE

A stage that can be precisely moved using control knobs.

MICROMETER

A unit of length used in microscopy (1 micrometer = 1 micron).

MIRROR

Reflects light upward through the stage opening.

MONOCULAR HEAD

A head with a single eyepiece lens.

NUMERICAL APERTURE

A value that expresses the lens' ability to resolve fine detail.

OIL IMMERSION LENS

A high-power lens used with oil to enhance resolution.

PARCENTERED

Keeps the specimen centered when switching objective lenses.

PARFOCAL

Maintains focus when switching objective lenses.

POINTER

A visible marker in the eyepiece used to indicate specific parts of the specimen.

POST STAND

A simple stand that allows vertical adjustment of the microscope body.

RESOLUTION

The ability to distinguish fine details of the specimen.

RETICLE

A measuring grid inside the eyepiece lens.

REVOLVING NOSEPIECE

The rotating part that holds and switches objective lenses.

RING LIGHT

A separate light source that surrounds the lens for even illumination.

SEMI-PLAN LENSES

Lenses that improve edge clarity of the image.

SLIDE

A plastic or glass plate used to hold the specimen.

SLIP CLUTCH

Prevents mechanical damage when the focus adjustment reaches its limit.

STAGE ADJUSTMENT KNOB

Controls the slide’s position forward, backward, left, or right.

STAGE CLIPS

Hold the slide securely in place on the stage.

STAGE PLATE

A frosted glass plate used in low-power microscopes.

STAND

The supporting structure between the microscope body and the base.

STEREO

Produces a 3D image using two slightly offset objectives.

SUB-STAGE

The area directly below the stage.

T-MOUNT

An adapter used to attach still cameras.

TENSION ADJUSTMENT

Adjusts focusing tension to prevent stage drift.

TRINOCULAR HEAD

A head with two viewing eyepieces and one port for a camera.

TURRET

A rotating holder for objective lenses.

UNIVERSAL STAND

A boom-style arm used for positioning the microscope body.

WIDEFIELD EYEPIECE LENSES

Lenses with a wider diameter that provide a broader field of view.

X

Denotes the magnification factor of the lens.

XR

Indicates a lens is retractable to prevent damage upon contact.