Fundamentals of Microbiology

Parts of a Microscope

1.    Base – foundation which holds the instrument firmly

2.    Arms – curvature used in carrying the instrument

3.    Stage – platform  on which the slide is placed

4.    Condenser – lens system beneath the stage (movable)

5.    Iris diaphragm – aperture beneath the stage, to regulate the light

6.    Tube – Tube like structure holding oculars and nosepiece in position

7.    Nosepiece – circular structure at the base of the tube containing the objective lenses

8.    Low power objective – refers to 10x objective lens

9.    High power objective – refers to 40x objective lens

10. Oil immersion objective – 100x objectives

11.  Coarse adjustment – large screw head designed to move the tube and nose piece rapidly

12. Fine adjustment  - small screw head for moving the tube with nose piece slowly

13. Ocular or eyepiece lens – The lens at the upper end of the tube usually with a magnification of 10x