Microscope Parts

Parts of a Microscope

• Eyepiece

  • Located at the top of the microscope.

  • The lens through which the viewer looks to see the magnified image.

  • Typically has a magnification of 10x or 15x.

• Arm

  • The part of the microscope that connects the base to the upper parts.

  • Provides support and stability.

• Rack Stop

  • A device that prevents the stage from moving too close to the objective lens.

  • Helps avoid damaging the lens or slides.

• Stage Clip

  • Clips on the stage that hold the microscope slide in place during observation.

  • Essential for securing the specimen for focused viewing.

• Coarse Focus

  • A knob that allows for large adjustments to the stage height.

  • Used primarily for focusing on lower power objectives.

• Fine Focus

  • A knob that enables small adjustments to the stage height.

  • Essential for achieving a sharp focus on higher magnifications.

• Revolving Nosepiece

  • A rotating component that holds multiple objective lenses.

  • Allows the user to switch between different magnifications.

• Objective Lens

  • Lenses attached to the revolving nosepiece.

  • Each lens has a different magnification (common ones include 4x, 10x, 40x, and 100x).

• Stage

  • The flat platform where the slide is placed for observation.

  • Often has openings for light to pass through.

• Condenser

  • A lens system located below the stage that focuses light onto the slide.

  • Important for enhancing illumination and contrast of the specimen.

• Illuminator

  • The light source for the microscope, usually an electric lamp.

  • Provides the necessary light to view the specimen clearly.