Compound Microscope – Parts & Their Functions

1. Eyepiece (Ocular lens)
Located at the top of the microscope.
Magnifies the image (usually 10× or 15×).
The lens through which you look.

2. Objective lenses
Attached to a rotating nosepiece.
Provide different magnifications (commonly 4×, 10×, 40×, 100× oil immersion).
Work with the eyepiece to enlarge the specimen.

3. Nosepiece (Revolving turret)
Holds the objective lenses.
Rotated to switch between magnifications.

4. Stage
Flat platform where the slide is placed.
Has stage clips or a mechanical stage to hold the slide steady.

5. Stage clips / Mechanical stage
Keep the glass slide in position.
The mechanical stage allows precise slide movement.

6. Condenser
Located under the stage.
Focuses and directs light onto the specimen for clarity.

7. Diaphragm (Iris diaphragm)
Controls the amount of light passing through the condenser.
Adjusts brightness and contrast.

8. Light source / Mirror
Provides illumination (built-in lamp in modern microscopes, mirror in older types).
Essential for viewing the specimen.

9. Body tube / Head
Connects the eyepiece to the objectives.
Ensures proper alignment of optics.

10. Arm
Curved or straight structure that connects the base to the head.
Used to safely carry the microscope.

11. Coarse adjustment knob
Large knob used for rough focusing.
Moves the stage up and down quickly.

12. Fine adjustment knob
Small knob for precise focusing after coarse adjustment.
Brings specimen into sharp detail.

13. Base
Bottom support of the microscope.
Contains the light source in many models.
Provides stability.


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