What Makes a Microscope?

A microscope cannot function without the parts that constitute it. These parts have their specific functions as well as their own contribution of how a microscope works.

• Eyepiece. An eye piece is a cylinder that contains two or more lenses. The primary function of the eyepiece is to make the image more visible to the eye. The eyepiece is put into the upper end of the body tube. An eyepiece can be interchanged as well as, different eye pieces which contain varying degrees of magnification can also be inserted. An eyepiece has a common magnification that includes 2x, 5x, and 10x. In other-high performing microscopes, the optical configuration of the microscope's lens is matched to the eyepiece in order to have the best optical function.
• Objective lens. An objective lens is used to gather light from the sample. Below the microscope tube are one or two objective lenses connected into the circular nose piece which can be adjusted before choosing the specified objective lens. 4x, 5x, 10x, up to 100x are the common magnification values of an objective lens. High performing microscope lenses often require eyepieces that match to the eyepiece.
• The Stage. The stage is a platform found under the objective. The stage supports the specimen being examined. Found at the middle of the stage is a round hole where light is allowed to pass, illuminating the specimen. The stage also has arms. The arms are the responsible in keeping the slides (the rectangular plate made of glass or ivory) erect.
• Illumination Source. The illumination source is located below the stage. It provides and controls the light in different ways. At its very basic, natural light is directed through the mirror. Other microscopes have their own source and control of light, such as the condenser, which contains a diaphragm, which take care the quality and quantity of light.