microscopes

Diopter adjustment

Allows for differences in the strength of vision between left and right eyes.

Interpupillary adjustment

Slide oculars apart as needed to adjust for the width of pupils.

Total magnification

Calculated by multiplying ocular magnification by the magnification of the objective lens.

Light microscope

A microscope that uses light and lenses to magnify a specimen for viewing.

Compound microscope

A microscope that uses two lenses: an objective lens with a short focal length and an eyepiece (ocular lens) with a longer focal length.

Parfocal

Describes an image that stays roughly in focus when magnification or focal length is changed.

Parcentric

Describes an image that stays centered when magnification or objective lens is changed.

Depth of field

The range of distance where the specimen can move and still be viewed without negatively affecting clarity.

Field of view

The area that is visible through the microscope; greater at lower magnifications.

Working distance

The distance between the objective lens and the mechanical stage.

Histological stains

Dyes that bind cellular components to increase contrast and resolution.

Basic stains

Dyes with a net positive charge that bind to negatively charged components of cells and tissues.

Acidic stains

Dyes with a net negative charge that bind to positively charged components of cells and tissues.

Resolution

The minimum distance at which two distinct points of a specimen can still be seen as separate entities.

Magnification

The amount or degree of visual enlargement of an observed object.

Inverted image

The image viewed through the microscope appears upside down and backwards compared to its orientation on the slide.