The Microscope: Parts and Functions
1. Eye Place or the ocular lens: Magnifies the specimen by usually around 10 times. This
part is where you look into.
2. Coarse adjustment knob: It moves the stage up or down to focus on the specimen. It’s
the first knob required to focus on the specimen.
3. Fine adjustment knobs: This lens is used to sharpen the focus using low or medium
power. It is the only adjustment knob needed with the high-power lens.
4. Revolving nosepiece: This where the objective lenses are mounted, allowing you to
rotate and select different magnifications, from low power to high.
5. Objective lenses: Three types - low power (4x), medium power (10x), and high power
(40x). They magnify the specimen. Always remember to keep them clean and free of dirt
and fingerprints.
6. Stage: Where you place the slide for observation. Keep it dry whenever using it.
7. Stage clips: Holds the slide in position on the stage.
8. Diaphragm: This has different sized holes that control different amounts of light to pass
through the specimen on the stage.
9. Lamp: Provides the light that passes through the specimen on the stage.
10. Arm: Holds the tube in place and is used to carry the microscope around.
11. Base: Provides a stable platform for the microscope to set on. Keep the surface it’s
resting on, flat, dry and clean.
12. Tube: This cylindrical part which is used to separate the ocular lens from the objective
lenses. Serves as cover for the lenses, preventing dust and debris affecting the quality of
the observation, maintaining the proper distance and alignment between the lenses. This
allows optimal performance and proper magnification.
13. Condenser Lens: This lens is under the stage. Helps to focus light onto the specimen
which is rested on top of the stage.
1. Eye Place or the ocular lens: Magnifies the specimen by usually around 10 times. This
part is where you look into.
2. Coarse adjustment knob: It moves the stage up or down to focus on the specimen. It’s
the first knob required to focus on the specimen.
3. Fine adjustment knobs: This lens is used to sharpen the focus using low or medium
power. It is the only adjustment knob needed with the high-power lens.
4. Revolving nosepiece: This where the objective lenses are mounted, allowing you to
rotate and select different magnifications, from low power to high.
5. Objective lenses: Three types - low power (4x), medium power (10x), and high power
(40x). They magnify the specimen. Always remember to keep them clean and free of dirt
and fingerprints.
6. Stage: Where you place the slide for observation. Keep it dry whenever using it.
7. Stage clips: Holds the slide in position on the stage.
8. Diaphragm: This has different sized holes that control different amounts of light to pass
through the specimen on the stage.
9. Lamp: Provides the light that passes through the specimen on the stage.
10. Arm: Holds the tube in place and is used to carry the microscope around.
11. Base: Provides a stable platform for the microscope to set on. Keep the surface it’s
resting on, flat, dry and clean.
12. Tube: This cylindrical part which is used to separate the ocular lens from the objective
lenses. Serves as cover for the lenses, preventing dust and debris affecting the quality of
the observation, maintaining the proper distance and alignment between the lenses. This
allows optimal performance and proper magnification.
13. Condenser Lens: This lens is under the stage. Helps to focus light onto the specimen
which is rested on top of the stage.
