Microscope Components & Functions

• Functions of microscope components:

Binocular lenses/eyepieces magnify images from objective lenses at 10X, enabling depth perception with multiple internal lenses.

Binocular Tube

• Holds the ocular lenses in the correct position and maintains proper objective-ocular lens distance.
• Can be replaced with an ocular micrometer for measurements.
• Connects the ocular to the objective lenses.

Head Piece and Lenses

• Allows adjustment of distance between user’s eyes.
• Allows rotation of the binocular unit.

Neck Piece/Handle of the Frame

• Provides a horizontal piece of the frame for carrying the microscope.
• Attaches the rest of the frame with the head- and nose pieces.

Stem of the Frame

• Provides the vertical frame for attaching the stage and main focus mechanisms.
• Links and holds the different microscope components in position.

Coarse Focus Knob

• Facilitates rapid up and down movements of the stage.
• Used for initial/rapid focusing.
• Brings the specimen into general focus.

Fine Focus Knob

• Facilitates slow up and down movement of the stage.
• Fine-tunes the focus, increasing specimen detail.
• Used for critical/final focusing.

Electric Cable

• Attaches to a 250 AC power supply for electricity.

Nose Piece and Ring

• Used for attachment of objectives.
• Rotates to allow use of different power objectives.
• Used to select the correct objective.

Objectives

• Magnifies at different powers (4x, 10x, 40x, 100x).
• Provides optical differentiation.

Mechanical Stage

• Has a clip to hold the slide firmly.
• Features adjustment knobs for positioning the object in the field of view correctly.

Solid Stage/Platform

• Holds the object (slide).
• Can be moved up and down by focus knobs (coarse and fine) to focus.

Aperture

• A hole in the middle of the stage.
• Allows light from the illuminator to reach the specimen.

Iris Adjustment Lever

• Opens or closes the iris diaphragm aperture.
• Controls contrast by adjusting the amount of light passing through the slide.
• Adjusts the amount of light that reaches the specimen.

Condenser Lens System

• Focuses light from the light source onto the object.
• Gathers light from the illuminator onto the specimen.

Adjustment Knob (Mechanical Stage)

• Allows for vertical and horizontal movement of the slide.

Adjustment Knob (Condenser)

• Moves condenser lenses up or down.
• Focuses the light from the light source.

Riostat Adjustment Knob

• Controls the amount of electricity to the light bulb.
• This, in turn, controls the brightness of the light produced by the light bulb.
• Switches the microscope on/off.

Light Source: Bulb and Lens

• The bulb provides light for the microscope.
• The lens sends a beam of light to the condenser.
• Provides light for viewing the slide

Base

• Provides a firm base for holding the frame and all its components.
• Holds the electricity supply (AC/DC converter and the light source).
• Supports and stabilizes the microscope, and it’s where the illuminator is located

Microscope Care

• Microscopes are a considerable investment susceptible to damage if precautions aren't observed.

Transport

• Carry the microscope with both hands.
• Grasp the arm with one hand and support the base with the other.
• Avoid carrying with one hand to prevent collisions.
• Never carry two microscopes at once.

Clutter

• Maintain a clear workstation to promote efficiency and prevent accidents.

Electric Cord

• Prevent the electric cord from dangling to avoid foot entanglement and potential accidents.

Lens Care

• Check and clean lenses at the beginning of each lab period.
• Use only special lens paper; avoid touching lenses with fingers.

Dust Protection

• Use dustcovers during storage to protect the instruments.
• Always keep the microscope covered when not in use.

Proper Handling

• Proper handling is essential to maintain clean and working microscopes.

End-of-Period Checklist

• Remove the slide from the solid stage.
• Wipe off immersion oil from the lens and stage with lens tissue if used.
• Rotate the small (4x) objective into position.
• Return the microscope to an erect position if inclined.
• Raise the lamp to its highest position if the microscope has a built-in movable lamp.
• Wrap the electric cord around the base if it is long and attached.
• Adjust the mechanical stage to prevent excessive projection.
• Ensure all parts are present and secure.
• Report any missing parts or issues to the demonstrator immediately.
• Always place the dustcover.
• Return separate transformers to their designated place.
• Return the microscope to its correct place in the cabinet.
• Leaving the microscope on the lab bench is prohibited.

Assessment

• Assessment for this lesson is based solely on the microscope components pictures and functions for each of the components of the microscope.

Learn about the parts of a microscope. This covers binocular lenses, the binocular tube and head piece. Also covers the neck piece, frame, and focus knobs.