Parts of a Compound Light Microscope

Definition of a microscope

An instrument that magnifies very tiny things in order to make them appear larger

ArmUsed to support the

microscope when it is carried

BaseThe bottom part that supports the whole

microscope

Body tube

Cylinder that separates the eyepiece from the nosepiece – light passes through it so you can see the specimen

Coarse adjustment knob

The bigger knob that moves the stage up and down – you turn this knob first to focus your specimen

Fine adjustment knob

The smaller knob that is used to sharpen the image of your specimen – turn this knob second after using the coarse adjustment knob

diaphragmThe numbered dial found under the stage that regulates the amount of light that goes through the stage to the specimen

eyepiece

Where you put your eye to see the specimen – it contains the ocular lens

Light source

Turns on to send light through the diaphragm and through the specimen

Objective lenses

magnifies the specimen

Low power is 4X Medium power is 10XHigh power is 40X

nosepiece

Holds the three objective lenses – it rotates so you can change the magnification from low to medium to high power

stage

The black square that supports the slide being viewed – the hole in the middle lets

the light through

Stage clipsTwo silver clips attached to the stage that hold

the slide in place

Field of view

The circle of light you see when you look in the eyepiece – this is where you see your specimen

pointer

A black line you can see in the field of view which helps to point out specific parts of your specimen

sliderectangular glass piece where you put your specimen so then it can be viewed under the microscope

coverslip

The plastic square piece you put on the top of your specimen