CHAPTER 1: THE MICROSCOPE
Chapter Objectives:
At the end of this chapter, the student should be able to:
1. Identify the parts and functions of the microscope.
2. Differentiate between resolving power and magnification.
3. Compute for the total magnification.
4. Demonstrate the proper use and care of the microscope.
In histology laboratory, the microscope is probably the most frequently used piece of equipment.
Microscopes are basically made up of lenses. They are used to observe minute objects that cannot
be seen with the unaided human eye. Microscopes can be classified as simple or compound
microscopes. The magnifying glass is considered as an example of the simplest microscope
because it has only one magnifying lens. Simple microscopes can magnify objects 3 to 20 times
larger than the object’s actual size. Compound microscopes on the other hand, contain more
than one magnifying lens. They can magnify objects up to 1000 times. Several illumination
modifications of the compound microscope are available as darkfield microscopes, phase-
contrast microscopes, flourescent microscopes or electron microscopes used on different
applications and purposes. Basic parts and functions of a microscope are the following:
Base: the bottom portion on which the microscope rests
Body tube: the portion of the microscope that receive the eyepiece
Arm: the angular or curved part of the microscope frame
Inclination joint: the movable hinge in some microscope that allows the instrument to be tilted
to a comfortable viewing position.
Stage: a platform on which slides or objects to be studied are placed
Stage clips: usually two clips mounted on the stage that keeps the slides being viewed in place
Condenser: a lens located beneath the stage opening that concentrates the light beam on the
specimen
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Histology Lab Exercises
Diaphragm: a device below the condenser that regulates the light intensity passing through the
condenser and lenses to the observer’s eyes.
Coarse adjustment knob: the larger knob that raises and lowers the body tube to bring a
specimen into general view.
Fine adjustment knob: the smaller knob found below or external to the coarse adjustment knob
and used for detailed focusing.
Revolving nosepiece: a plate usually circular having movable parts below the body tube that
contains the various objective lenses
Ocular or eyepiece: a removable lens at the top of the body tube usually having 10x
magnification. Most microscopes being used today are binocular microscopes, having two ocular
lens. Monocular microscopes have a single eyepiece.
Objectives : Usually marked with its magnification power.
➢ Scanning objective: a lens marked 4x and is used for initial location of the specimen. It is
the shortest objective and is not present on all microscopes
➢ Low Power objective: a lens marked 10x and is also used for initial location of the
specimen. It is used for observing specimens that don’t need greater magnification
➢ High power objective: a lens marked 40x and is used for specimen requiring greater
magnification
➢ Oil immersion objective: a lens marked 100x and is used for magnification of extremely
small specimens. It must be used with oil.
The total magnification of the microscope is the product of the magnifications of the ocular lens
and the objective lens. Magnification is achieved as light passes through a condenser which
directs the light rays through the specimen under observation. The light rays then pass into the
objective lens, the image of the specimen forms on a prism and is magnified again by the ocular
lens.
The resolving power of the microscope is the abillity of the lens to distinguish fine details and
structures. In light microscopes, this is set to a theoretical limit of 0.2 µm.
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When using light microscopes, the user should ensure that the light source, the condenser, and
the iris diaphragm are properly adjusted before focusing is done. Light adjustment can be done
by raising and lowering the condenser and/or opening or closing the iris diaphragm. To examine
a slide on the stage, bring down the low power objective to as far as it would go using the coarse
adjustment knob. Look through the eyepiece and adjust up until the object is in focus then use
the fine adjustment knob to get a clearer view. You can shift to high power objectives for detailed
examination. Adjust the light intensity with the brightness control or you may re-adjust using the
iris diaphragm to a comfortable level when greater magnification is required.
To carry a microscope, the base should be supported by one hand as the other hand carries it
through its curved arm. Use lens paper to clean the objectives of the microscope. Do not use
gauze or paper towels to clean the lens. The high power objective should never be used with oil.
When it accidentally comes in contact with oil, wipe it immediately with a lens paper with
methanol or a suitable alcohol. Xylene should not be used.
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