Biology review on microscopes
Compound Microscope Parts
A high power or compound microscope achieves higher levels of magnification than a stereo or low power microscope. It is used to view smaller specimens such as cell structures which cannot be seen at lower levels of magnification. Essentially, a compound microscope consists of structural and optical components. However, within these two basic systems, there are some essential components that every microscopist should know and understand. These key microscope parts are illustrated and explained below.
STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS
The three basic, structural components of a compound microscope are the head, base and arm.
Head/Body houses the optical parts in the upper part of the microscope
Base of the microscope supports the microscope and houses the illuminator
Arm connects to the base and supports the microscope head. It is also used to carry the microscope.
When carrying a compound microscope always take care to lift it by both the arm and base, simultaneously.
OPTICAL COMPONENTS
There are two optical systems in a compound microscope: Eyepiece Lenses and Objective Lenses:
Eyepiece or Ocular is what you look through at the top of the microscope. Typically, standard eyepieces have a magnifying power of 10x. Optional eyepieces of varying powers are available, typically from 5x-30x.
Eyepiece Tube holds the eyepieces in place above the objective lens. Binocular microscope heads typically incorporate a diopter adjustment ring that allows for the possible inconsistencies of our eyesight in one or both eyes. The monocular (single eye usage) microscope does not need a diopter. Binocular microscopes also swivel (Interpupillary Adjustment) to allow for different distances between the eyes of different individuals.
Objective Lenses are the primary optical lenses on a microscope. They range from 4x-100x and typically, include, three, four or five on lens on most microscopes. Objectives can be forward or rear-facing.
Nosepiece houses the
A high power or compound microscope achieves higher levels of magnification than a stereo or low power microscope. It is used to view smaller specimens such as cell structures which cannot be seen at lower levels of magnification. Essentially, a compound microscope consists of structural and optical components. However, within these two basic systems, there are some essential components that every microscopist should know and understand. These key microscope parts are illustrated and explained below.
STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS
The three basic, structural components of a compound microscope are the head, base and arm.
Head/Body houses the optical parts in the upper part of the microscope
Base of the microscope supports the microscope and houses the illuminator
Arm connects to the base and supports the microscope head. It is also used to carry the microscope.
When carrying a compound microscope always take care to lift it by both the arm and base, simultaneously.
OPTICAL COMPONENTS
There are two optical systems in a compound microscope: Eyepiece Lenses and Objective Lenses:
Eyepiece or Ocular is what you look through at the top of the microscope. Typically, standard eyepieces have a magnifying power of 10x. Optional eyepieces of varying powers are available, typically from 5x-30x.
Eyepiece Tube holds the eyepieces in place above the objective lens. Binocular microscope heads typically incorporate a diopter adjustment ring that allows for the possible inconsistencies of our eyesight in one or both eyes. The monocular (single eye usage) microscope does not need a diopter. Binocular microscopes also swivel (Interpupillary Adjustment) to allow for different distances between the eyes of different individuals.
Objective Lenses are the primary optical lenses on a microscope. They range from 4x-100x and typically, include, three, four or five on lens on most microscopes. Objectives can be forward or rear-facing.
Nosepiece houses the