Compound Light Microscope Flashcards

Study Notes

Compound Light Microscope Overview

A compound light microscope uses light to illuminate specimens and two lenses to magnify images.

Components of the Microscope

Body Tube: Serves as a passageway for light, ensuring the correct distance between the lenses.
Eyepiece: Contains the ocular lens and is where the viewer looks to observe the specimen.
Stage: The platform upon which specimens are placed for examination.
Stage Clips: Secure the slide in position on the stage.
Nosepiece: Holds and allows for the rotation of objective lenses for more versatile viewing.

Objective Lenses

Low Power Objective: Shortest objective lens providing initial magnification.
High Power Objective: Longest objective with the highest magnification capabilities.

Focusing Mechanisms

Coarse Adjustment: Used for the initial focusing of the microscope, suitable only with low power objectives.
Fine Adjustment: Enables detailed focusing, intended for use with high power objectives.

Light Management

Diaphragm: Located between the stage and light source, it regulates light intensity passing through the specimen.

Structure

Arm: Connects the stage to the eyepiece, providing structural support.
Base: The bottom part of the microscope, ensuring stability during use.

Imaging and Viewing

Magnification: Defined as the increase in apparent size of an object, calculated as ocular lens power multiplied by objective lens power.
Field of View: The observable area of the specimen through the eyepiece; important for assessing specimen details.

Specimen Representation

Image in the Microscope: The specimen being viewed and analyzed under the microscope.

Description

Test your knowledge of the components and functions of a compound light microscope with these flashcards. Learn key terms, definitions, and understand how each part contributes to microscopy. Perfect for students studying biology and lab techniques.