The Use and Care of the Microscope (P) Flashcards
What is a microscope?
It is a very powerful magnifying glass
What is the function of microscope?
Helps you see things like cells up close
What are the parts of the microscope?
1) Ocular lens (eyepiece)
2) Body tube
3) Arm
4) Revolving nosepiece
5) Stage clips
6) Stage
7) Diaphragm
8) Light Source
9) Coarse Adjustment Knob
10) Fine Adjustment Knob
11) Base
What is eyepiece / ocular?
View the sx through the eyepiece
What is the function of stage clips?
To hold the slide in place
What is the function of LPO?
To focus the microscope (short & fat)
What is the function of HPO?
To view the details of the sx
What is the function of coarse adjustment knob?
To focus adjustment
What is the function of fine adjustment knob?
It fine tunes and gives detailed focus
What is the function of base?
It is where the microscope rests
What is the function of stage?
It is the part where the slide rests
What is the function of mirror or light source?
It directs light upwards onto the slide
What is the function of diaphragm?
It allows light in
What is the function of revolving nosepiece?
It holds the objectives (lenses)
What is the function of the arm?
It is the part where you carry the microscope
How to use a light microscope?
1) Connect the light microscope to a power source. If your microscope uses a mirror instead of an illuminator, you can skip this step. Instead, find a place where natural light is easily accessible
2) Turn the revolving nosepiece so the lowest objective lens is in position.
3) Mount your specimen onto the stage. But before doing so, see to it that your specimen is adequately protected by placing a coverslip on top of it.
4) Use the metal clips to keep your slide in place. Make sure the specimen is positioned in the center, right under the lowest objective lens.
5) Look into the eyepiece and slowly rotate the coarse adjustment knob to bring your specimen to focus. See to it that the slide does not touch the lens
6) Adjust the condenser for the maximum amount of light. Since you’re on the low power objective, you may have to decrease the illumination. Use the diaphragm under the stage to adjust.
7) Now slowly rotate the fine adjustment knob until you obtain a clearer image of your specimen.
8) Examine your specimen.
9) After you’re done viewing with the lowest power objective, switch to the medium power objective and re-adjust the focus with the fine adjustment knob.
10) Proceed to the high power objective once you have it focused
What happens when the oculars is separated wide open?
It results to double image
What happens when the oculars are too close (or close) to each other?
It results to double image
What are the possible challenges / problems that may occur when viewing sxs?
1) Presence of air bubble
2) Coverslip edge is viewed instead of the sx
3) Scratch on slide surface
Explain the relationship between movement of slide and movement of image
The movement of slide is indirectly proportional to the movement of the image
Where can spots or dirty marks occur?
1) On the slide
2) On the ocular lens
3) On the condenser
What are the things that should be done when it comes to proper microscope cleaning and maintenance?
1) Never hold the microscope by the piece. Support the stand and hold the arm when carrying the instrument around.
2) Always carry a microscope upright, as the eyepiece could fall off.
3) Always turn the illuminator off after you use it.
4) Use a non-solvent cleaning solution to avoid damaging the lenses.
5) Use a microfiber cloth when wiping off dust and dirt from lenses. There are microscope cleaning kits you can purchase to make microscope cleaning safer and more adequate.
6) When the microscope is not in use, cover it with a dust jacket.
7) While using the microscope, do not rush through the viewing process. Be careful when handling the knobs, and avoid turning the nosepiece unnecessarily, as they can wear out
