Microscope Parts and Functions

Presented by: LORIE MAE N. VIDUYA

 DEFINITION

• A microscope (Greek: micron = small and scopos

= aim)
• MICROSCOPE - An instrument for viewing objects
that are too small to be seen by the naked or
unaided eye
• MICROSCOPY - The science of investigating small
objects using such an instrument is called
microscope

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 Anton van Leeuwenhoek
(1632-1723)

• Anton van Leeuwenhoek is

generally credited with bringing
the microscope to the attention of
biologists.

 1661 - He discovered bacteria, free-living

and parasitic microscopic protists, sperm
cells, blood cells, microscopic nematodes
etc.
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 Microscope used by
Anton von Leeuwenhoek

An old pocket Microscope

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 Dark field microscope

Paramecium

Treponema vincenti

Volvox and Spirogyra

 Compound Microscope
• Mechanical Parts
– Used to support and adjust the parts

• Magnifying Parts
– Used to enlarge the specimen

• Illuminating Parts
– Used to provide light
• Mechanical Parts
–Used to support and adjust the
parts
 Microscope Parts and Functions
• Arm- Supports the tube and connects it to the
base
• Base- The bottom of the microscope, used for
support
• Eyepiece- Where you look to see the image of
your specimen.
Eyepiece

Arm

Base
 Microscope Parts and Functions
• Body tube- Connects the eyepiece to the
objective lenses.
• Revolving Nosepiece- This is the part that
holds two or more objective lenses and can be
rotated to easily change power.
• Stage- The flat platform where you place your
slides. 
Body tube

Revolving
Nosepiece

Stage
 Microscope Parts and Functions
• Fine Adjustment Knob-small, round knob on
the side of the microscope used to fine-tune
the focus of your specimen
• Coarse Adjustment Knob--large, round knob
on the side of the microscope used for
focusing the specimen.
• Stage Clips-hold the slide in place
Stage Clips Coarse
Adjustment Knob
Fine Adjustment
Knob
• Illuminating Parts
–Used to provide light
 Microscope Parts and Functions
• Iris Diaphragm- controls the light going
thorough the aperture.
• Mirror/Light source-used to reflect light to the
specimen/source of light.
Iris Diaphragm
Light Source/
MIRROR
• Magnifying Parts
–Used to enlarge the
specimen
 MAGNIFYING PARTS
• Objectives
– Metal cylinders attached below the nosepiece and contains especially
ground and polished lenses
• LPO / Low Power Objective
– Gives the lowest magnification, usually 10x

• HPO / High Power Objective

– Gives higher magnification usually 40x or 43x

• OIO / Oil Immersion Objective

– Gives the highest magnification, usually 97x or 100x, and is used
wet either with cedar wood oil or synthetic oil
 TYPES OF EM

• Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)

• Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

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 SEM IMAGES

Vibrio cholerae with

Treponema pallidum polar flagella 23
Objectives
Skip to Magnification Section
 Ocular Lens

Body Tube

Nose Piece
Arm
Objective
Lenses
Stage
Stage
Clips
Coarse Adj.

Diaphragm Fine Adjustment

Light Source
Base

Skip to Magnification Section

Proper Way of Focusing the Microscope

• Always observe the specimen or object using

the LOWEST POWER object first.
• Focus using the COARSE ADJUSTMENT KNOB
to bring the object into focus. Bring the object
into sharp focus by using the fine adjustment
knob.
Proper Way of Focusing the Microscope

• Focus, and then move to a higher power

objective, if needed.
• Use only the FINE ADJUSTMENT KNOB when
using the HIGHEST (longest) POWER
OBJECTIVE.
Proper Way of Focusing the Microscope

• Keep both eyes open to reduce eyestrain.

Keep eye slightly above the eyepiece to
reduce eyelash interference.
• To find out the total magnification of the
object, multiply the power of the eyepiece
lens (10X) by the power of the objective.
 Handling the Microscope
• Always use two hands to move the
microscope. Place one hand around the arm,
lift the scope, and then put your other hand
under the base of the scope for support.
• Be gentle.
 Storing the Microscope
• Dust is an enemy to microscope lenses; always
keep the microscope covered when not in use.
 References
• http://www.thefreedictionary.com/microscop
e
• http://www.saskschools.ca/curr_content/biol
ogy20/unit1/UNIT1MODULE2LESSON1c.htm
• http://www.microscope-microscope.org/basic
/microscope-parts.htm