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Parts and Functions of A Microscope

The document discusses the parts and functions of a compound microscope. It details the main parts including the magnifying parts like the objective and ocular lenses, illuminating parts like the mirror and condenser, and mechanical parts like the stage and arm. It provides instructions on how to correctly use a compound microscope to examine a specimen.

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Angelika Tibayan
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7 views

Parts and Functions of A Microscope

The document discusses the parts and functions of a compound microscope. It details the main parts including the magnifying parts like the objective and ocular lenses, illuminating parts like the mirror and condenser, and mechanical parts like the stage and arm. It provides instructions on how to correctly use a compound microscope to examine a specimen.

Uploaded by

Angelika Tibayan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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SAN ANTONIO INFOTECH SCHOOL INC.

143 ME C. Harina Street, Poblacion, San Antonio, Quezon


(043) 703-2273
Quarter 1
Science 7

Week 7 & 8
Lesson 6. Parts and Functions of a Microscope

Studying Cells through Microscopy


Cells, tissues, and microbiological life can be studied more thoroughly with the help of a microscope, an
instrument that is used to view objects that one cannot see using naked eye.
Example: Even the sections of a strand of human hair can be seen very clearly through the lens of a
microscope.
The science of studying objects using microscope is called microscopy.

Using the Microscope for Study


There are several types of microscopes.
Compound light microscope or compound microscope that is commonly used in most science classes
because of its high magnification.

Parts of the Compound Microscope


The compound microscope has three main parts:
 Magnifying Parts
 Illuminating Parts

1
SAN ANTONIO INFOTECH SCHOOL INC.
143 ME C. Harina Street, Poblacion, San Antonio, Quezon
(043) 703-2273
Quarter 1
Science 7

 Mechanical Parts
The magnifying parts are used to enlarge the view of specimens.
Objective lens - the most important of the optical parts. Commonly, there are three or four objective lenses:
 Low Power Objective (LPO) - shorter than the other objectives and is usually marked 10x. It
locates and shows the structure of specimen.
 High Power Objective (HPO) - long and slender and is usually marked 45x or 60x. It shows the
detailed structure of the specimen.
 Oil Immersion Objectives (OIO) - a special type of objective lens; it may be long or short. It is used
to increase the resolution of the microscope. It has a small lens at its end that is usually marked
99x or 100x. A drop or cedar oil is used on the specimen before it is viewed under the lens.
Ocular lens - magnifies the image formed by the objectives. It is attached to the upper end of the
microscope and is marked 5x or 10x.
The illuminating parts are used to supply light to the slide on the stage.
Mirror - collects and reflects light from an external light source up into the microscope. It has adjustable
sides that may be plain or concave.
Numerical aperture - measures the microscope's ability to gather light and resolve fine details of a
specimen at a fixed distance.
Condenser - directs the maximum amount of light upon an object.
Iris diaphragm - a flat disk located beneath the condenser. It has an adjustable opening or aperture that
may be reduced or enlarged to any size by adjusting its lever.
The mechanical parts are used to support and move parts of the microscope.
Arm - the bent or curved structure that supports the stage and body tube.
Stage - the platform where the slide is placed. It has stage clips that hold the slide with the specimen in
place.
Stage clips - hold the prepared slide firmly on the stage.
Body tube - holds the draw tube and connects the eyepiece to the objectives.
Draw tube - houses the ocular lens. It is fitted inside the upper end of the body tube.
Adjustment knobs - bring the objects into focus so that the view of the specimen appears sharp and clear.
Two adjustment knobs:
 The coarse adjustment knob is used to focus the specimen at 10x (LPO).

2
SAN ANTONIO INFOTECH SCHOOL INC.
143 ME C. Harina Street, Poblacion, San Antonio, Quezon
(043) 703-2273
Quarter 1
Science 7

 The fine adjustment knob is used to focus the specimen at 40x or 60x (HPO). The specimen is
initially focused at lower magnification.
Revolving nosepiece - supports the objectives and enables them to be positioned in the desired place.
Dust shield - protects the objectives from dust; located on the top part of the revolving nosepiece.
Base - anchors the microscope firmly on the table.
Pillar - supports the upper parts of the microscope.
Inclination joint - allows the upper part of the microscope to be bent.
Lever - regulates the iris diaphragm beneath the condenser.

Correct use of the Compound Microscope


How is a specimen magnified and examined using a compound microscope?
To use this microscope correctly, observe the following steps:
1. Place the microscope about an inch from the edge of the work table.
2. Position the LPO above the center of the stage. Adjust the iris diaphragm to its biggest opening. If there
is an Abbe condenser just below the center of the stage, move it until it is in its uppermost position.
3. Adjust the mirror to get the right illumination.
4. Place the slide with specimen beneath the LPO. Once the specimen is focused, switch the LPO to HPO.
Remember:
To keep the microscope in good working condition, make sure to handle and use it with care. In
handling the instrument, hold it by its arm with one hand while your other hand is u der its base. Before and
after using it, wipe it clean using a piece of tissue paper or muslin cloth. Use lens paper to clean its lenses.

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