Microscopy Flashcards
The area of the microscope between the tube and the base.
Arm
Is the bottom support structure of the microscope.
Base
Refers to the main section of the microscope minus the stand or any illuminators. Its components generally include the eyepiece and objective but not the focusing block.
Body
The larger of two adjustment knobs that moves the objective lends closer to, or farther from, the specimen in large steps.
Course Focus
Most useful at higher power, it is typically a five-hole disc housed under the stage to adjust the amount of light passing through the stage opening. Each opening is a different diameter, controlling how much light passes through to help properly illuminate the specimen, while also increasing contrast and resolution.
Diaphragm
These lenses, also known as ocular lenses, are typically 10X, but also come in 5X, 15X and 20X varieties. It is what you actually look through to see your specimen. The interocular distance is adjustable so that you can keep both eyes open when looking into the microscope.
Eyepiece
The smaller of two adjustment knobs moves the objective lens closer to, or farther from, the specimen in very small steps. It can be used to fine tune on various parts of a specimen after first using the Coarse Focus to get close.
Fine Focus
Also called a revolving nose-piece or turret, this structure golds the objective lenses. Rotating it allows the objective lens to be switched.
Nose Piece
The lens closest to the object being viewed. Each of this has a different magnification including the scanning lens (4X), low power lens (10X), mid-power lens (40X), and high-power lens (100X).
Objective Lenses
Controls the power to the microscope
On/Off Switch
This are is the main, flat plate that holds the slides for observation.
Stage
One of the most important parts of the microscope are the lenses used to actually view the specimen. The microscope uses the eyepiece lens, or the lens you look through, to present the image of the specimen. Eyepiece lenses are typically 10X, but may also come in 5X, 15X or 20X. The power is generally found labeled on the eyepiece itself.
Eyepiece
The lens nearest the object being viewed is called the objective lens. These lenses can come in a range of powers such as 4X (Scanning), 10X (Low power), 40X (High Power) or 100X (Oil immersion objective). Some lenses, such as the 100X lens, are specifically designed to be used with immersion oil.
Objective Lenses
The power of each lens can be found labeled on the side of the tube housing. Additionally, each lens has a specific, color-coded band that denotes its resolution: red for 4X, yellow for 10X, blue for 40X and white for 100X.
Objective Markings
To calculate the total magnification of the image, multiply the power of the eyepiece by the power of the objective lens. For example, an eyepiece of 10X and objective lens of 40X yields a 400x total magnification.
Calculating Magnification
