1. Microscope Parts: Structure and Function

2. Body Tube
The body tube holds the objective lenses and the eyepiece lens at the proper distance.
Eyepiece lens
Objective lens

3. Nose Piece
The Nose Piece holds the objective lenses and can be turned to increase the magnification

4. Objective Lenses
The Objective Lenses increase magnification (usually from 10x to 40x)

5. Stage Clips
These 2 clips hold the slide/specimen in place on the stage.

6. Diaphragm
The Diaphragm controls the amount of light on the slide/specimen
Turn to let more light in or to
make dimmer.

7. Light Source
Projects light upwards through the diaphragm, the specimen and the lenses
Some have lights, others have mirrors where you must move the mirror to reflect light

8. Ocular Lens/Eyepiece Magnifies the specimen image
The eyepiece has a lens that magnifies 10x.

9. Arm
Used to support the microscope when carried. Holds the body tube, nose piece and objective lenses

10. Stage
Supports the slide/specimen

11. Coarse Adjustment Knob
Moves the stage up and down (quickly) for focusing your image. Brings the specimen into view.

12. Fine Adjustment Knob
This knob moves the stage SLIGHTLY to bring the image into clear, sharp focus.

13. Base
Supports the microscope

14. Magnification
To determine your magnification…you just multiply the eyepiece lens by the objective lens
Eyepiece 10x Objective 40x x 40 = 400
So the object is 400 times “larger”
Each objective lens has
its magnification written on it.
The Eyepiece lens usually magnifies by 10x

15. Using a Microscope Start on the lowest magnification (4x).
Avoid using the coarse adjustment knob on high magnification…you might break the slide.
Place slide on stage use clips to keep the slide in place.
Use the coarse adjustment to bring the object or specimen into view.
Use fine adjustment to focus the object or specimen into clear, sharp focus.

16. Flea
Bacteria
Amoeba
Bone Cells
Red Blood Cells
Plant Cells