Unit 1: The Parts & Function of the C100 Microscope

A set of vocabulary flashcards derived from the lecture notes on the parts and functions of the microscope, compiled to aid in studying and retention of key concepts.

Microscope

An instrument with lenses or magnification systems that magnify and resolve invisible details of an object.

Compound Microscope

A microscope that uses two sets of lenses (oculars and objectives) for magnification.

Eyepiece

Also known as the ocular lens; the part of the microscope where you view the specimen.

Objective Lens

Lenses attached to the revolving nosepiece that vary in magnification from 4X to 40X.

Diaphragm

A part that turns to adjust the amount of light passing through the specimen.

Stage

The platform that holds the slide and allows light to pass through the specimen.

Total Magnification

The product of the magnification of the eyepiece and the objective lens.

Field of View

The area that is visible through the microscope, which decreases with increasing magnification.

Coarse Adjustment Knob

A knob used to move the stage up and down for focusing, only with low and medium objective lenses.

Fine Adjustment Knob

A knob used for fine-tuning the focus of the microscope.

Stereoscopic Microscope

A microscope that provides a three-dimensional view of specimens and is used for lower magnification.

Polarizing Microscope

A microscope that analyzes substances using polarized light to observe color and properties.

Electron Microscope

A microscope that uses a beam of electrons to create an image of the specimen, achieving high magnification.

Microspectrophotometer

An instrument that combines microscopy with spectroscopy to analyze light absorption in small samples.

Stage Clips

Clips that hold the slide in place on the stage of the microscope.

Light Source

A component that shines light upward through the specimen and to the lenses.