This document discusses the parts and functions of the compound microscope. It describes the major components of the microscope, including the illuminating parts that provide light, the magnifying parts that enlarge the object, and the mechanical parts that support the microscope. It explains key pieces such as the objectives, eyepiece, stage, mirror, and condenser. It also provides guidance on properly operating and caring for the microscope.

1. THE PARTS AND
FUNCTIONS OF
THE COMPOUND
MICROSCOPE

2. INTRODUCTION:
In this lesson, you will learn about the
microscope, its parts and their uses, as well
as its proper care. You will also learn how a
microscope works. These are essential
learning skills for effective laboratory work in
studying microorganisms and specimens too
small to be seen by unaided eye.

3. TOPICS:
Part of the microscope
Operation of the microscope
Care of the microscope

4. OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the lessons, students
should be able to:
•Discuss the importance of
microscope (compound microscope)
and the essential usage of each part.

5. Microscope – is an instrument that can enlarge or
magnify the image of objects that are too small to be
seen by unaided eyes.

6. Types of Microscope
Simple Microscope
Compound Microscope

7. Simple Microscope
Simple Microscope is composed of
one lens and provides a weaker
magnification.

8. Compound Microscope
2.Compound Microscope is composed of two or more
lenses with powerful magnification.

9. There are two kinds of Compound
Microscope:
 Compound Light Microscope (CLM); and
 Electron Microscope (EM)

10. Compound Light Microscope (CLM)
Compound Light
Microscope (CLM) it is
commonly used
microscope that used
visible light to
illuminate specimen. It
can magnify up to
1000x.

11. Electron Microscope (EM)
Electron Microscope (EM) is it is highly sophisticated and complex that can
magnify specimen up to 100,000x. They have their own light to illuminate
specimen.

12. There are two types of Electron
Microscope (EM):
 Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM); and
 Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

13. Transmission Electron Microscope
(TEM)
Transmission
Electron Microscope
(TEM) is it is used to
view the layers and
details of the
specimen.

14. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
Scanning Electron
Microscope (SEM)
is it provides a three
dimensional view of
the specimen.

15. Parts of a Microscope
1. Mirror
2. Condenser
3. Iris Diaphragm
4. Eyepiece or Ocular
5. Objectives
A. Low power Objective (LPO)
B. High power Objective (HPO)
6. Base
7. Pillar
8. Arm
9. Inclination joint
10. Stage
11. Body tube
12. Draw tube
13. Revolving nosepiece
14. Dust shield
15. Adjustment knob
A. Course adjustment knob
B. Fine adjustment knob

16. 1.Mirror – It is used for collecting and reflecting light through the object, lenses and into the eyes.
2.Condenser – It concentrates the reflected light from the mirror to the object being examined.
3.Iris Diaphragm – Used to regulate the intensity of light which enters the condenser.
4.Eyepiece or Ocular – Located on top of draw tube which one views the specimen.
5.Objectives – Usually attached to the revolving nosepiece.
A. “Low power Objective (LPO) – The shorter tube with large lens opening and with low magnifying power
for observing the general outline and locating various parts of the specimen.
B. “High power Objective (HPO) – Longer tube with a small opening and higher magnifying power for
studying the detailed parts of the specimen.
6.Base – The stable structure on which the microscope firmly rest.
7.Pillar – The post or upward extension of the base to which the arm is attached.
8. Arm – The curved handle of the microscope that connects the base and body tube.
9.Inclination joint – A movable hinge that attached the frame of the microscope to the base. It is used for
tilting or inclining the microscope when necessary.
10. Stage – The platform on which the slide containing the specimen is held in place with pair of stage clip.

17. 11. Body tube – Attached the draw tube to the microscope and serves as
passage way of light from the specimen to the eyepiece.
12. Draw tube – A smaller tube. It is attached to the upper part of the body
tube and holds the eyepiece.
13. Revolving nosepiece – Attached to the base of the body tube, it holds
and facilitates shifting of objectives.
14. Dust shield – Located above the revolving nosepiece, it keeps off the
dust from the objectives.
15.Adjustment knob - Are used for lowering or raising the body tube.
A. “Course adjustment knob – The larger knob used for faster movement
when focusing the LPO.
B. “Fine adjustment knob – Smaller knob for slow or little movement when
focusing the HPO; also used to get sharper focus of the specimen under
LPO.

18. Father of the Microscope
Antonie van Leeuwenhoek
is the Father of the
Microscope. In total, he ground
some 550 lenses, some of
which had a linear magnifying
power of 500 and a resolving
power of one-millionth of an
inch an astounding
achievement.

19. There are three Major Parts of
Microscope:
Illuminating Parts;
Magnifying Parts; and
Mechanical Parts

20. 1. Illuminating Parts provide light to the
microscope.
2. Magnifying Parts make the object look
larger, As far as the function of the microscope is
concerned, they play the most important role.
3. Mechanical Parts that support the
microscope and the object being examined.

21. CARE OF THE MICROSCOPE
1.Carry the microscope properly by holding the arm with one hand ns supporting the
base with the other hand.
2.Place the microscope on the table some six to eight centimeters away from the
edge.
3.Clean the lenses and the mirror thoroughly using lens paper or soft cloth.
4.Check the following before returning the microscope.
a.The microscope is clean and dry.
b.It is in upright position, not inclined
c.The mirror is in upright position
d.The LPO is in the line with the eyepiece or ocular.
The stage clips are parallel to each other pointing away from the arm