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Microscope Parts and Functions
Microscope Parts and Functions
Eyepiece or ocular lens: Eyepiece is the lens, present at the top and is
used to see the objects under study. Eyepiece lens contains a
magnification of 10X or 15X.
Tube: Tube or the body tube, connects the eyepiece to the objective
lenses.
Body Tube
This part supports the eyepiece and objectives. It is critical that the tube be
constructed so that these optics share a common axis. Most 20th century
scopes with body tubes (i.e., not modular) are designed for a mechanical
tube of either 160 mm, or 170 mm. Mechanical tube length is the distance
from the top of the eyepiece tube to bottom of the Society threaded
objective holder.
Draw tube
At one time "all good instruments" had a body tube equipped with an inner
sliding draw tube. This tube enabled users to the adjust the mechanical
tube length when certain accessories were screwed on between the
eyepiece and objective, or when using objectives designed for longer
mechanical tube lengths. Today's microscopes no longer have or need
such a device.
Coarse adjustment knob: Used for focus on scanning. Usually the low
power lens is used enabling the movement of the tube.
Fine adjustment knob: Used for focus on oil. Moves the body tube for
focussing the high power lens.
Arm: It supports the tube of the microscope and connects to the base of
the microscope.
Stage: The platform that is flat used for placing the slides under
observation.
Inclination joint- It allows one to tilt the upper part of the microscope so
that you can view the specimen while seated.
Mirror- it is used to reflect light from an external light source up through the
bottom of the stage.
Power switch: The main power switch that turns the illumination on or off.