Microscopes

Types of Microscopes Compound light microscope advantages disadvantages Transmission electron microscope Scanning electron microscope

Compound Light Microscope firegrass

Transmission electron microscope Nerve of a pig Bone marrow

Scanning electron microscope Cat flea Black widow spider claw Leaf vein

Microscope Parts Ocular or eyepiece: contains a magnifying lens; magnifies image 10X Low Power Objective: Provides a magnification of ___X and is the shortest of the objectives Medium Objective: Provides a mag. of ___X. High Objective: Provides a mag. of ___X and is the longest of the objectives Revolving Nosepiece: contains the objectives and allows magnification to be adjusted Slide: Holds the specimen in place Stage: Supports the slide being observed Cover Slip: goes over the specimen on the slide keeping the specimen in place Diaphragm: Regulates the amount of light entering the body tube Base: Supports the microscope Illuminator/Light Source: Produces light or reflects light up through the body tube Coarse Adjustment: Moves the stage up and down for focusing Fine Adjustment: Moves the stage slightly to sharpen focus Stage Clips: Hold the slide in position Arm: supports the body tube Body Tube: Maintains a proper distance between the eyepiece and the objective lenses

Microscope Terms Definition: clarity; how clear the specimen appears Magnification: amount of enlargement of an image Orientation: way in which something appears to be situated Field of view: what is seen through the microscope Depth of Field: refers to layers, 3-D effect that is viewable by changing fine adjustment under high power Width of Field: distance across the diameter of your field of view, used to estimate the size of a specimen

Steps to Storing a Microscope 1.) Turn off light and allow to sit for 5 min to cool down. 2.) Turn the stage all the way down. 3.) Return objective to low. 4.) Remove slide. Rest the stage clips on the stage. 5.) Loosely wrap and secure the electrical cord. 6.) Turn the ocular over the body tube. 7.) Cover the microscope with the jacket. 8.) Carry the microscope with two hands. 9.) Place the microscope in the closet with the ocular pointing out.

Steps to Focusing a Microscope (Know in Order!!) 1.) Turn light on and leave it on for as long as you are using the microscope. 2.) Align the slide on the stage and secure with the stage clips. 3.) Turn the ocular towards you by rotating the base of the ocular, not the tube. 4.) Using the coarse adjustment, bring your specimen into view, and center it in your field. 5.) Adjust the diaphragm for the “best” lighting, not necessarily the brightest setting. 6.) Using your fine adjustment, sharpen your image (give the image definition.) 7.) Using the revolving nose piece, turn to your medium power objective. 8.) Using the coarse adjustment, bring your best image into view, center it, and turn the fine adjustment for definition. 9.) Turn the high power objective into place using the nosepiece. Using only the fine adjustment knob, fine tune your image. 10.) You may also want to add more light for a better image at this point.