Lesson 1 – Microscopy and

Introduction to Cell
Theory
SIR RHENZIE O. PAGUD
Pre-test. Identify the appropriate term for each stated
definition. Choose among the pool of choices below.
Microscopy Histology Light Staining
Magnification Cytology Slide and cover slip
Cell Resolution Lens

_________1. The basic unit of life possessing structural and functional components. It exemplifies “the
form follows function” concept.
_________2. An instrument that produces an enlarged image of an object.
_________3. A specific biological discipline that focuses on the examination of a single cell type, as
often found in fluid specimens.
_________4. A measure of the clarity of an image or how clear the details are.
_________5. A measure of how much the image is enlarged.
_________6. A laboratory tool for temporarily or permanently fixing the specimen.
Pre-test. Identify the appropriate term for each stated
definition. Choose among the pool of choices below.
Microscopy Histology Light Staining
Magnification Cytology Slide and cover slip
Cell Resolution Lens

_________7. A technique used to enable better visualization of cells and cell parts under the
microscope.
_________8. The microscopic study of tissues and organs through sectioning, staining, and
examining those sections under a microscope.
_________9. A versatile, naturally or artificially occurring tool, that utilizes principles of optics to
provide illumination, contrast, magnification, resolution, transparency, all of which are integral to
the detailed observation of microscopic structures.
_________10. A microscopic part used to refract (bend) and focus light, facilitating the
magnification and detailed observation of microscopic specimens
Microscopy
• Microscope – an instrument that produces an enlarged image of an object.
• Biologists use microscopes to study cells, cell parts, and organisms that are too small
to be seen with the naked eye.
• Microscopes magnify and show details of the image.
• Cytology is the examination of a single cell type, as often found in fluid specimens. It's
mainly used to diagnose or screen for cancer. It's also used to screen for fetal
abnormalities, for pap smears, to diagnose infectious organisms, and in other screening
and diagnostic areas. (John Hopkins Medicine)
 Compound Light Microscope
• Light passes through the specimen on the slide and uses two
lenses to form its image.
• Capable of two things (below) that vary in different microscopes:
• Magnification: a measure of how much the image is enlarged
• Total magnification = (ocular lens)(objective lens being used)
• [The ocular lens usually has a 10x magnification, but that can vary.]
• 4x objective lens = (10x)(4x) = 40 times total magnification
• 10x objective lens = (10x)(10x) = 100 times total magnification
• 40x objective lens = (10x)(40x) = 400 times total magnification

• Resolution: a measure of the clarity of an image; how clear the

details are