Microscopy

Eye Piece (Ocular Lens)

The lens you look through; usually provides 10× magnification.

Eye Piece Tube

Holds the eyepiece in place and aligns it with the objective lenses.

Diopter Adjustment

Adjusts focus for differences between the viewer’s eyes.

Head

Supports the optical parts and connects the eyepiece to the objectives.

Nose Piece

Rotating part that holds the objective lenses and allows you to change magnification.

Objective Lens

Primary lenses that magnify the specimen (e.g., 4×, 10×, 40×, 100×).

Carrying Arm

Supports the upper parts of the microscope and is used to carry it.

Mechanical Stage

Platform that holds and moves the slide precisely.

Stage Clip

Holds the slide in place on the stage.

Stage Control Knob

Moves the slide left/right and forward/backward.

Aperture

Opening in the stage that allows light to pass through the specimen.

Condenser

Focuses light onto the specimen for clearer viewing.

Illuminator (Light Source)

Provides light that passes through the specimen.

Coarse Adjustment Knob

Moves the stage quickly for rough focusing.

Fine Adjustment Knob

Moves the stage slightly for sharp, precise focus.

Base

Bottom support of the microscope; provides stability and houses the light source.