Activity 1.

1
Compound Microscope

Instruction: Using the video on Microscope working in animation

A. Identifying the Parts of a Microscope

1. Label the parts of the compound microscope illustrated below

8. Eyepiece lens

1. Body Tube

2. Revolving nosepiece
12. Arm (carrying handle)

3.Low power objective

4. Medium power
objective 11. Mechanical stage
5. High power objective

6. Stage Clips 12.Coarse Adjustment

Knob

7. Condenser 10. Fine Adjustment Knob

9. Illuminator (light
source)
14. Base

B. What are the 11 steps of proper manipulation of microscope

Step 1: Remove the cover of the microscope, always lift the microscope correctly. Grasp it firmly with
two hands, one hand under the base and another on the arm. Place the microscope on the table away
from the edge. Move the microscope to a position in which you can look comfortably through the
eyepiece. You may need to sit on a chair or stool
Step 2: Make sure the low power objectives is in place over the hole in the stage. Use the coarse
adjustment knob to raise the objective so that its lowest bend is about 1 inch/s.5 centimeters above the
stage.
Step 3: Put the slide on the stage so that the center, the bit you want to look at is over the hole and under
the lens. Use the stage clips to hold the slide in place.
Step 4: Look through the microscope, you should see a circle a light against the black background. Twist
the concave mirror around to make the circle as bright and even as possible. If you can’t see a circle of
 light your objective lens is probably not in line with your ocular tube or the eyepiece. Ad just the nose
piece until you hear the lens click into place.
Step 5: The reflector has one side that is flat while the other is concave. It is difficult to say which one is
best to use in every case. You will have to experiment to see which gives you a better view. The flat side
will provide a sharper image in most cases. The curved side will provide a brighter image.
Note: never use the microscope in direct sunlight as the reflected light may damage your eyes.
Step 6: If you are using a lamp of your lighting, put it about 20 centimeters away from the microscope.
Adjust the lamp so that the light points towards the mirror under the stage.
Step 7: Look through the eyepiece and use the coarse adjustment knob to focus upwards or move away
from the sample or slide.
Step 8: When the specimen light comes into focus it will be become sharp and clear.
Step 9: To use the high power objective turn the revolving nose piece to bring it into position over your
samples or slide. You should be able to see the sample or slide through the high power objective so you
only have to adjust the fine adjustment knob.
Step 10: Now adjust the aperture control with the help of the diaphragm, close it until the circle of light
dims and then open it again slightly and stop it where you get maximum resolution of the slide or
sample in view.
Step 11: Medical microscopes have a special type of lens called an oil immersion lens 100x. This lens is
used by placing a drop of oil so that the oils is on top of the cover slip and adjusting the position of the
front lens of the objective so that it is touching the oil drop. The oil bend light more than the air would,
so more light can enter the microscope. All immersion lenses make it easier to see samples because they
increase the amount of light going through the sample or slide and microscope and into your eyes.

C. Fill out table 1.1 indicate the parts as you identified them in number 1

Parts of a Microscope Functions

 I. Optical Parts Pre -owned to enlarge specimen

1. Eyepiece The lens the viewer looks through to see the specimen.
2. Objective Lens Most important components of an optical microscope they are
responsible for primary image formation and play a central role in
determining the quality of images that the microscope is capable of
producing.
a. Scanning Objective Lens Provides observers with about enough magnification for a good
(4x) overview of the slide, essentially a scan of the slide. Provides the
lowest magnification power of all objective lenses.
b. Low Power Objective Magnifies 10x, and provide enough magnification
Lens (10x)
c. High Power Objective Perfect for observing the small details within the specimen.
Lens (40x)
d. Oil Immersion objective Carries or provides the greatest magnification and view or image.
Lens (100x)
II. Illuminating Parts Used to provide light
1. Illuminator (Light Source) It provides light in the region of the object under observation.
2. Mirror Gather and direct light in order to illuminate the object.
3. Electric Lamp A built-in illuminator beneath the stage that may be used if sunlight is
not preferred or is not available.
III. Mechanical Parts In charge for supporting and adjusting the parts
1. Base Bottom most portion that supports the entire/lower microscope.
2. Pillar Part above the base that supports the other parts.
3. Body Tube Attached to the arm and bears the lenses.
4. Arm/Neck Connect the eyepiece tube to the base, and support the microscope
when carried.
5. Stage Platform where object to be examined is placed
6. Stage Clips Secure the specimen to the stage

Questions

1. How should one carry the microscope?

 Hold the microscope carefully with one hand around the arm of the device, and the other
hand under the base. This is the most secure way to hold onto and walk with
the microscope. Avoid touching the lenses of the microscope. The oil and dirt on your
fingers can scratch or strike off the glass.

2. Why do you have to keep both eyes open when you look through the eyepiece?

 It is important to keep both eyes open in order to avoid eyestrain. If your eyes are too close
set or far apart for the intraocular distance to be adjusted properly, you will have to use your
microscope as a monocular instrument look through one eyepiece with one eye).