1. The Microscope

2. Microscopes Most important tool for biologists
Types: Dissecting Microscope,
Light Microscope, &
Electron Microscope

3. What does a microscope do?
Enlarges specimens so we can see details

4. How does it work? Light is shined through the
(stained) specimen and is
magnified with various lenses

5. Compound Light Microscope Structures
Ocular Lens (eyepiece) Topmost lens through which an object is viewed.
Usually 10x magnification

6. Structures …
Revolving Nosepiece Rotating piece below the ocular lens that hold the objective lenses

7. Structures …
Arm
Supports the upper parts of the microscope and provides a carrying handle

8. Structures … Objective lenses: Scanning objective
holds 4X lens used to view the whole slide.
Lower Power Objective
holds 10X lens used to view the object in greater detail
Higher Power Objective
holds 40X lens used to view the object in even greater detail

9. Magnification
To find the total magnification you must multiply the ocular lens by the objective lens you are using
For example: 10x X 40x
has a total magnification
of 400X

10. Structures …
Coarse Adjustment Knob – used to bring an object into approximate focus
used ONLY with scanning objective!

11. Structures …
Fine Adjustment Knob used to bring object into final focus
Used ONLY with Lower & High Powered Objectives!

12. Structures … Diaphragm
Controls the amount of light used to view the object

13. Structures … Light Source
A lamp that directs a beam of light up through the objective

14. Structures …
Base
Flat surface of the microscope that rests on the lab table
Also used for carrying the microscope, along with the arm

15. Structures …
Stage
Holds and supports microscope slides

16. Structures …
Stage clips
Holds microscope slides in place