Objective: To study about compound microscope.

Microscope
It may be defined as an optical instrument, consisting of a lens or a combination of lenses, for
enlarging of magnifying images of minute objects, including microorganisms.
Parts of a compound microscope
Eyepiece or Ocular Lens:
It is a lens fitted at the top of the body tube. It is always marked with a number (5X, 10X, 15X) on its
rim. Typically, standard eyepieces have a magnifying power of 10x. This number shows its
magnification power. Magnified image of the object is seen with the eyepiece.
Body Tube:
The upper part of the arm of the microscope has a hollow and tubular structure known as the body
tube. It can be moved up and down with the help of adjustment knobs.
Coarse Adjustment Knob:
It is a large knob that is used for moving the body tube down and up for bringing the object to be
examined under exact focus.
Fine Adjustment Knob:
It is the small knob which is used for sharp and fine focusing of the object. Exact focussing is done
by this knob.
Nose Piece:
It is a circular and revolving metallic part attached to the lower end of the body tube. It has three
holes in which objective lenses can be fitted.
Objective Lenses:
Objective Lenses are one of the most important parts of a Compound Microscope. They are the
closest to the specimen. Three objective lenses are attached to the revolving nose piece at the bottom
of the body tube. These are low power objective (10X), high power objective (45X) and oil
immersion objective (100X).
Arm:
The entire microscope is handled by a strong and curved structure known as the arm.
Stage: It is a flat rectangular plate attached to the lower end of the arm. Slide or object is placed on
the stage and studied. A hole is present in the centre of the stage. Light rays pass through this hole.
Clips:
Two clips are attached on the upper part of the stage. These are used for holding the slide in position.
Condenser:
The condenser consists of a series of lenses that focus light onto the specimen. It is moved up and
down by a knob at its side. The primary function of a condenser is to supply sufficient cone of light
to fill the objective aperture for getting maximum resolving power.
Iris Diaphragm
It controls the amount of light reaching the specimen.
Mirror:
A mirror is found attached wither to the pillar or the lower end of the arm. It consists of a concave
mirror on one side and a plain mirror on the other. It can be used for reflection of light rays into the
microscope.
Foot or Base:
It is a U-shaped structure and supports to all the remaining parts of the microscope.