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Sc08 1.1 The Microscope
Science 08 Microscope Functions Name ______________
Block ___
1. Each of the parts of the microscope has a specific purpose. Listed here are all the parts of a microscope and their functions. Read the
list carefully. When you have finished, see how many parts and functions you can name without referring to the list. It would be
best to have a microscope at your desk to look at as you read the functions of the various parts.
a. base The foot on which the microscope rests.
b. arm This is curved support for the lenses and their holder. The microscope should be lifted or held by the arm.
c. stage The platform on which material to be examined is placed
d. stage clips These are used to prevent movement of the slide
e. body tube The main tube holding the lenses. It is of a standard length to hold the ocular and objective lens correctly
positioned.
f. revolving
nose piece
The disc shaped piece at the lower end of the body tube. It holds in readiness several objective lenses.
g. objective lens Three long, compound lenses projecting from the revolving node piece. Your microscope has a low, medium
and high power lens. Note they are of different lengths. The magnification of each is indicated on the side.
Which one is the longest? Note also the diameter of the glass lens in each objective. Which one gathers light
from the greatest area?
h. ocular lens
(eye-piece)
The lens fitted into the top of the body tube. It may be lifted out and replaced by one of different magnification.
Its magnifying power is marked on top. Its function is to magnify the image from the objective lens.
i. mirror If reflected light is to be used as a source of light, a two-sided mirror is fastened below the stage to reflect light
upwards through the diaphragm. One side is concave to concentrate more light rays on the object.
j. iris diaphragm Its function is to control the amount of light entering the microscope
k. coarse
adjustment
Move the body tube up a down until approximate focus is reached. It is used only when the low or medium
power objective lens is in place.
l. fine
adjustment
It is used for adjusting sharpness of the image viewed under medium or high power.
m. inclination
joint
This is the joint between the pillar and the arm of the microscope. It is used to tilt the body tube and stage. It is
usually best to keep the stage horizontal.
Place the letters of the parts of the microscope in front of the functions which apply
1. Base a. ( )
and ( ) combine for total magnification of the specimen.
2. Arm b. ( )
moves the body tube up and down until approximate focus is reached
3. Stage c. ( )
the curved support for the lenses and their holder. The part to be held when
lifting the microscope
4. Stage clips d. ( )
the foot on which the microscope rests,.it is heavy to prevent tipping the
instrument
5. Body tube e. ( )
used for adjusting sharpness of the image viewed under medium or high power
6. Revolving nose piece f. ( )
used to prevent the movement of the slide while viewing
7. Objective lens g. ( )
holds in readiness several objective lenses
8. Ocular lens h. ( )
used to tilt the body tube and stage of the microscope
9. Mirror i. ( )
platform on which material to be examined is placed
10. Iris diaphragm j. ( )
controls the amount of light entering the microscope
11. Coarse adjustment k. ( )
holds the ocular and objective lenses correctly positioned
12. Fine adjustment l. ( )
reflects light upwards through the slide
13. Inclination joint
