1. Introduction to the Microscope Lab

2. Common Microscope Types
Compound Monocular
Dissecting

3. Microscope Type Uses Compound Light: Dissection:
Used to examine materials mounted on microscope slides (usually sectioned & stained)
Generally provides total magnification from 40X to 1000X
Does not provide space for dissection of materials being examined.
Dissection:
Used to examine thick materials on microscope slides & whole specimens living or preserved
Generally provides total magnification from 10X to 45X
Provides space between stage & objectives for dissection.

4. Compound Light Microscope Parts & Functions
Eyepiece:
The part of the microscope you look into
Magnifies material being viewed by 10X
Sometimes contains a pointer that can be seen as you look into the eyepiece.
Also be called the ocular.

5. Microscope Parts & Functions
Nose piece:
Part of microscope to which the objectives are attached
Rotates to allow for the changing of objectives to increase or decrease magnification.

6. Microscope Parts & Functions
Arm:
Where the nosepiece is attached
Hold the microscope by this when carrying.
Always use both hands!

7. Microscope Parts & Functions
Objectives:
Magnify material being examined
Scanning objective
magnifies 4X
(40x)
Medium Objective.
magnifies 10X (100X)
High Powered Obj.
magnifies 40X (400x)
Total magnification = Eyepiece Mag. X Objective Mag.

8. Microscope Parts & Functions
Stage:
Platform on which microscope slide rests
Stage clips:
Secures slide to the mechanical stage
Be careful – if allowed to snap down, they break slides!

9. Microscope Parts & Functions
Coarse adjustment knob:
Coarse focusing
Used to find specimen, but with less detail.
Fine adjustment knob:
Precise focusing
Small turns make big changes.
* Remember – Specimens are 3-Dimensional and focusing adjusts the level you look at.

10. Microscope Parts & Functions
Diaphragm:
regulates the amount of light passing through the specimen
When viewing translucent specimens, use small opening.
When viewing opaque specimens us large opening.

11. Microscope Parts & Functions
Illuminator
Light source
On/Off switch is on base
Base:
provides support for microscope

12. Microscope Storage Always with one hand on the arm & one on the base.
Microscope Cabinet
Always with one hand on the arm & one on the base.

13. Preparation for Storage
Make sure no slides are on the stage
Lower stage for maximum distance between objective & stage
Wrap cord around base (clockwise)

14. Preparation for Use Transport microscope to work station
Plug in microscope
Inspect and clean microscope

16. References Robert F. Allen, Professor of Biology
Introduction to the Microscope Lab