Parts of the microscope and their functions

Front

Located below the stage, this part of the microscope adjusts the amount of light that passes through the slide.

Back

Diaphragm

Front

This part reflects light from a source up through the stage to the specimen.

Back

Mirror/Illuminator

Front

This is a small platform where the slide being viewed is placed.

Back

Stage

Front

This holds the eyepiece and connects it to the objectives.

Back

Body Tube

Front

Located at the bottom, this part is used to support the whole microscope.

Back

Base

Front

This knob located at the side; it is used for focusing to see a clearer view of the specimen.

Back

Fine Adjustment

Front

What is located on the stage and used to hold the slide in place?

Back

Stage Clip

Front

This knob located at the side moves the stage up and down while focusing and scanning the specimen in the slide.

Back

Coarse Adjustment

Front

Also called oculars, this part of the microscope is used to view an object magnified up to 10x in a microscope.

Back

Eyepiece

Front

What part of a microscope supports the body tube and connects it to the base?

Back

Arm