Microscope Parts and Functions

Makes small adjustments to sharpen the image.

• Fine Focus Knob

• Fine Focus Knob

• Stage Adjustment Knob

• Illuminator Control

Holds and rotates the objective lenses.

• Revolving Nosepiece

• Stage

• Eyepiece

• Base

Turns the microscope's built-in light source on and off.

• The Light Switch

  The Power Switch

• The Power Switch

• The Focus Knob

• The Stage Clip

The part you hold when carrying the microscope.

• Arm

• Stage

• Arm

• Objective

Moves the stage up and down for large adjustments in focus.

• Coarse Focus Knob

• Coarse Focus Knob

• Stage Adjustment Knob

• Optical Focus Dial

Adjusts the amount of light that reaches the specimen.

• Diaphragm

• Diaphragm

• Objective Lens

• Stage

The bottom part that supports the microscope.

• Base

• Stage

• Arm

• Objective

The part you look through to see the specimen, usually 10x magnification.

• Eyepiece (Ocular Lens)

• Objective Lens

• Stage Clip

• Condenser Lens

Lenses with different magnifications (e.g., 4x, 10x, 40x) to zoom in on the specimen.

• Objective Lenses

• Condenser Lenses

• Eyepiece Lenses

• Projection Lenses

Supplies electricity to the microscope’s light source and plugs into the wall socket.

• The Power Cord

• Light Bulb

• Microscope Base

• Optical Lens