Scribd
Upload
66 views

Module 5. The Microscope

The document provides an overview of the microscope as an important tool for biologists. It outlines the learning outcomes which are to identify microscope parts and their functions, prepare and observe wet mounts, focus specimens, and properly handle the microscope. The parts are then described in detail and categorized into magnifying, illuminating, and mechanical parts. The magnifying parts include the ocular and objectives, while the illuminating parts are the mirror, iris diaphragm, and condenser. The mechanical parts support and operate the microscope components like the stage, objectives, and adjustment knobs.

Uploaded by

Pretty Swan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
66 views

Module 5. The Microscope

The document provides an overview of the microscope as an important tool for biologists. It outlines the learning outcomes which are to identify microscope parts and their functions, prepare and observe wet mounts, focus specimens, and properly handle the microscope. The parts are then described in detail and categorized into magnifying, illuminating, and mechanical parts. The magnifying parts include the ocular and objectives, while the illuminating parts are the mirror, iris diaphragm, and condenser. The mechanical parts support and operate the microscope components like the stage, objectives, and adjustment knobs.

Uploaded by

Pretty Swan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 1

MODULE 5: THE MICROSCOPE

Introduction

Microscope is a tool used to view specimen that cannot be seen by the naked eye. It is the
number one instrument used by biologist in studying organisms or parts of organisms It should be
used properly and handled with care.

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this module, the students must be able to:
⚫ Identify the parts and function of the compound microscope;
⚫ Prepare and observe wet mounts;
⚫ Focus specimens using the compound microscope; and
⚫ Practice proper handling and caring of the compound microscope

Lesson 1. Parts of a Compound Microscope

The parts of the compound microscope are categorized into three: magnifying parts,
illuminating parts, and mechanical parts.

A. Magnifying Parts – for enlargement of objects


1. Ocular or eyepiece – is where we look to see the specimen being observed. It contains a
lens that fits into the top of the draw tube.
2. Objectives – small tubes containing lenses screwed into the eyepiece which magnify the
object being examines.
a. Low Power Objective (LPO) – is the shorter objective that shows the general form of
the specimen.
b. High Power Objective (HPO) – is the longer objective that shows the detailed part of
the specimen.
B. Illuminating Parts – used to supply light to the slide on the stage. It is for controlling light
entering the microscope.
1. Mirror – located below the stage used to control the light and direct it to the object being
examined.
2. Iris Diaphragm – used to regulate the amount of light entering the microscope.
3. Abbe Condenser – used to concentrate or focus the light coming from the diaphragm to
the object found on the stage.
C. Mechanical Parts – used to support and operate the parts.
1. Draw tube – this is where the ordinary eyepiece or ocular is attached. It supports the
eyepiece.
2. Body tube – connects the eyepiece to the stage.
3. Revolving nosepiece – located at the lower end of the body tube serving for attachment
of objectives and to facilitate the shift from one objective to another.
4. Dust shield – dark metallic disc located just above the revolving nosepiece; used to
prevent dust from entering the objectives.
5. Arm or handle – is where we hold the microscopes.
6. Stage – is the platform where the glass slide containing the specimen is placed.
7. Stage clip/spring clips – hold the slide in place.
8. Coarse adjustment knob (Pinion head) -the large wheel with milled edges used along
with the LPO for locating the outline of the specimen.
9. Fine adjustment knob – the smaller with milled edges used to see the finer detail of the
objectives.
10. Inclination joint – is the screw that connects the arm to the base. It is also used to tilt the
microscope.
11. Pillar – connects the arm to the base.
12. Base – the U-shaped or horse-shoe shaped iron portion on which the microscope rests.
It supports the entire apparatus.

You might also like