Microscope

Question 1

The bottom of the microscope. Provides a sturdy flat surface to support and steady the microscope.

Answer 1

Base

Question 2

Located in the base. The light from the lamp passes directly upward through the microscope.

Answer 2

Substage light

Question 3

Located on the base or arm. This dial allows you to adjust the intensity of the light passing through the specimen.

Answer 3

Light control

Question 4

The platform that the slide rests on while being viewed. The stage has a hole in it to allow light to pass through the stage and through the specimen.

Answer 4

Stage

Question 5

Holds the slide in position for viewing and has two adjustable knobs that control the precise movement of the slide.

Answer 5

Mechanical stage

Question 6

Small nonmagnifying lens located beneath the stage that concentrates the light on the specimen. The condenser may have a knob that raises and lowers the condenser to vary the light delivery. Generally, the best position is close to the inferior surface of the stage

Answer 6

Condenser

Question 7

is a shutter within the condenser that can be controlled by a lever to adjust the amount of light passing through the condenser. The lever can be moved to close the diaphragm and improve contrast. If your field of view is too dark, you can open the diaphragm to let in more light.

Answer 7

Iris diaphragm lever

Question 8

This knob allows you to make large adjustments to the height of the stage to initially focus your specimen.

Answer 8

Coarse adjustment knob

Question 9

This knob is used for precise focusing once the initial coarse focusing has been completed.

Answer 9

Fine adjustment knob

Question 10

Attaches to the nosepiece to support the objective lens system. It also provides for attachment of the eyepieces which house the ocular lenses.

Answer 10

Head

Question 11

Vertical portion of the microscope that connects the base and the head.

Answer 11

Arm

Question 12

Rotating mechanism connected to the head. Generally, it carries three or four objective lenses and permits positioning of these lenses over the hole in the stage.

Answer 12

Rotating nosepiece

Question 13

These lenses are attached to the nosepiece. Usually, a compound microscope has four objective lenses: scanning (43), low-power (103), high-power (403), and oil immersion (1003) lenses. Typical magnifying powers for the objectives are listed in parentheses.

Answer 13

Objective lenses

Question 14

Binocular microscopes will have two lenses located in the eyepieces at the superior end of the head. Most ocular lenses have a magnification power of 103. Some microscopes will have a pointer and/or reticle (micrometer), which can be positioned by rotating the ocular lens.

Answer 14

Occular lenses