Microscope Parts & Functions

Located at the top of the microscope, the part that you look through which magnifies the image of the specimen 10x.

• objective lenses

• nosepiece

• diaphragm

• eyepiece/ocular lens

This holds the objective lenses and is sometimes called a revolving turret.

• eyepiece/ocular

• nosepiece

• stage

• diaphragm

These lenses revolve on the nosepiece and magnify the image of the specimen. The most common ones have powers of 4x, 10x, and 40x.

• eyepiece/ocular lens

• magnifying lens

• objective lenses

• diaphragm

This microscope part connects the base to the nosepiece and eyepiece. It's a structural part that is also used to carry the microscope.

• stage

• base

• arm

• stage clips

This is where the specimen slide is placed for observation.

• diaphragm

• arm

• base

• stage

Controls the amount of light passing through the slide. It is located below the stage and is usually controlled by a round dial.

• stage clips

• diaphragm

• nosepiece

• eyepiece

Supports that hold the slides in place on the stage.

• arm

• stage

• stage clips

• arm clips

Moves the stage to provide general focus on the specimen. When bringing a specimen to focus, this dial is used FIRST.

• fine adjustment focus

• medium adjustment focus

• coarse adjustment focus

Moves the stage in smaller increments to provide a clear view of the specimen. When bringing a specimen into focus, this dial is the SECOND one used.

• fine adjustment focus

• medium adjustment focus

• coarse adjustment focus

The main support of the microscope. Your hand should be placed under this when you carry a microscope.

• arm

• stage

• nosepiece

• base