Functions of the microscope

Eye piece tube or body tube

The microscope body tube separates the objective and the eyepiece and assures
continuous alignment of the optics.

Nosepiece
Holds the objective lenses & attaches them to the microscope head. This part rotates
to change which objective lens is active.

Objective Lenses
Similarly, the objective lens in a microscope captures and refracts the light reflected
from an object, even a tiny object suspended in a drop of water.

Stage Clips
Stage clips hold the slides in place. If your microscope has a mechanical stage, you
will be able to move the slide around by turning two knobs.

Stage
All microscopes are designed to include a stage where the specimen (usually mounted
onto a glass slide) is placed for observation.

Diaphragm
Iris or Diaphragm regulates the amount of light that reaches the specimen. It is
situated above the condenser but beneath the stage.

Illuminator
The purpose of the illuminator is to provide even, high intensity light at the place of
the field aperture, so that light can travel through the condensor to the specimen

Eye piece
The eyepiece, or ocular, magnifies the primary image produced by the objective; the
eye can then use the full resolution capability of the objective.

Arm
It joins the base to the head and the eyepiece tube to the base. It supports the
microscope's head and is also used for carrying the instrument.

Coarse focus
The coarse focus knob is used to bring the specimen into approximate or near focus.

Fine focus
This is the knob used to fine tune the focus on the specimen. It is also used to focus on
various parts of the specimen.

Base
It serves as a support for microscopes. Microscope illuminators are also carried by it.

Arm
It joins the base to the head and the eyepiece tube to the base.