Parts of Compound Microscope

Parts of the Compound Microscope are objective lenses that enlarge the specimen; the eyepiece enlarges the image even further for the observer; the stage holds the specimen for observation; the condenser focuses light onto the specimen; and the illumination system provides light for visibility. When used in tandem, these elements allow scientists to view microscopic objects with extreme clarity and detail, making the compound microscope a vital instrument for scientific inquiry and teaching.

In this article, we will read about the parts of a compound microscope, its diagram, magnification, the working principle of a compound microscope, and the difference between a simple, compound, and electron microscope.

What is a Compound Microscope?

A compound microscope is a multi-lens, high-resolution device that creates an enlarged, two-dimensional image of a particular sample. It has a higher magnification rate of about 40 to 1000x. A compound microscope is mainly used in pathology or forensic labs. A compound microscope uses two major lenses. The objective lens remains close to the given sample, and on the other hand, the ocular lens is referred to as the eyepiece. Hans Janssen and Zacharias Janssen developed the first compound microscope around 1590.

Parts of Compound Microscope

The compound microscope mainly consists of three major parts, as mentioned below:

1. Mechanical Components
2. Illumination Components
3. Optical Components

Parts of Compound Microscope Diagram

Below is a compound microscope diagram that tells about the different parts of the compound microscope:

Parts of Compound Microscope

Mechanical Components

The mechanical components of compound microscope consists of:

Component	Description
Base	The foot of the compound microscope, resembling the letter “U,” made of metal.
Pillar	Vertical support standing on the base, also supporting the stage; serves as a connection between the stage and the base.
Arm	Strong connection between the base and upper parts, akin to the backbone of a compound microscope.
Inclination Joint	Allows adjustment of the viewing angle for observations, enabling the tilting of the microscope.
Stage	Platform-like structure made of metal, fitting the lower part of the arm; features a central hole for light passage and where specimens are placed for examination.
Body Tube	Upper part of the arm, a tube-like structure regulating up and down movements via adjustment knobs; holds the objective lens (nose piece) and ocular lens (head).
Draw Tube	Small, fixed tube in the upper part of the body, primarily holding the ocular lens.
Rack and Pinion	Structure attached to the body tube or stage, facilitating focusing by bringing the specimen into focus.
Adjustment Screws	Used to tune a compound microscope; coarse adjustment moves the stage and lenses up and down to set the initial focus.
Automatic Stop	Small screw in the rack and pinion, preventing damage to the objective lens by acting as a stopper.
Clips	Two clips located in the upper part of the stage, securing slides in place during observation.

Illumination Components

A compound microscope’s illuminating components are necessary to provide enough light to illuminate the specimen being examined.

Component	Description
Light Source	Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and halogen bulbs are common types of light sources. The clarity and contrast of the examined illustration are directly impacted by the light source’s intensity and quality.
Condenser	Situated underneath the stage, the condenser collects and directs light onto the specimen. It consists of lenses that focus light onto the specimen, enhancing brightness and clarity.
Diaphragm	Acting as a control device, the diaphragm adjusts the quantity of light reaching the specimen. It is usually located inside or near the condenser.
Filters	Optional filters, sometimes included with microscopes, alter the color or quality of light passing through the specimen.
Slide Clips	Two clips are present to hold the slides in place during examination.

Optical Components

The illuminator is the light source of a microscope. For a compound microscope, a mirror or light can be used as the illuminator.

Component	Description
Diaphragm	Controls and regulates the light intensity, located at the bottom of the stage.
Condenser	Optical tool used to focus light by moving it up and down.
Reflector	Mirror-like structure attached under the base, combines plane and concave mirrors for light adjustment.
Eyepiece	Topmost lens of the microscope, used for viewing the closest microscopic structure of a specimen.
Objective Lenses	Located at the top of the stage, responsible for projecting magnified images of the specimen. Types include oil immersion (100X), high-power (45X), and low-power (10X) objectives.

Magnification of Compound Microscope

Compound microscopes are generally used to examine the sample at high magnification. The range varies between 40x and 1000x. This magnification process is achieved by the combination of both ocular and objective lenses.

There are four types of ocular lenses:

1. 5x
2. 10x
3. 15x
4. 20x

On the other side, there are three types of objective lenses:

1. Oil immersion objective (100x)
2. High-power objective (45x)
3. Low-power objective (10x)

Working Principle of Compound Microscope

A compound microscope operates by bending and focusing light using both lenses. Here are the steps for how the microscope works:

The specimen was placed on a transparent glass slide. Then the slide was placed on the stage between the condenser and objective lenses. Light comes from the base directly to the specimen through the condenser lens. The objective lens gathers the light and magnifies it to create the main image. Through the body tube, we can see the magnified image. The ocular lens then further magnifies the same image. To achieve higher magnification, turn the nosepiece after focusing on low power. Align the higher-power objective (often 45X) with the illuminated part of the slide. For high magnification, we have to apply an oil immersion objective lens (often 100x).

Advantages and Disadvantages of Compound Microscope

There are several advantages and disadvantages of compound microscope

Advantages

1. High Magnification: Due to the compound microscope’s ability to produce high magnification, minute structures may be examined in depth.
2. Resolution: They provide outstanding resolution, making it possible to see complex characteristics and internal structures in specimens.
3. Versatility: They are useful instruments in many different scientific fields since they may be used to view a broad variety of objects, such as cells, tissues, and microbes.
4. Optical quality: Compound microscopes frequently have excellent objective lenses and eyepieces that provide crisp, clear pictures.
5. Illumination: They provide customers with accurate control over illumination, enabling them to optimize images by adjusting brightness, contrast, and illuminating approaches.
6. Application: Compound microscopes are capable of supporting a wide range of sophisticated methods, including differential interference contrast (DIC), fluorescence, and phase contrast, which increase their applicability for certain applications.

Disadvantages

1. Cost: Compound microscopes, particularly ones with sophisticated features, are often more costly than simple microscopes.
2. Complexity: The construction and operation of compound microscopes are more intricate, necessitating specialized knowledge and skills for correct usage and upkeep.
3. Size and Portability: Compared to simple microscopes, compound microscopes are often thicker and bigger, which makes them less portable and best suited for laboratory environments.
4. Depth of Field: Focusing on three-dimensional features inside specimens can be difficult with compound microscopes due to their restricted depth of field.
5. Sample Preparation: In order to make a specimen appropriate for inspection under a compound microscope, it may be necessary to do intensive preparations such as staining or sectioning.
6. Maintenance: To guarantee optimum performance and longevity, compound microscopes need to undergo routine maintenance and cleaning, which can be labor-and time-intensive.

Difference Between Simple Microscope, Compound Microscope and Electron Microscope

Now, we will discuss discuss various differences among compound microscope, simple microscope, and an electron microscope.

Aspects	Simple Microscope	Compound Microscope	Electron Microscope
Lens	Single convex lens.	Objective lens and eyepiece.	Objective lens and eyepiece.
Magnification	Magnification power is low.	Magnification power is high.	Magnification power is very high.
Light Source	Relies on natural light or external sources.	Equipped with an integrated light source.	Uses electrons.
Resoloution	Usually lower resolution.	Higher resolution.	Extremely high resolution.

Conclusion – Parts of Compound Microscope

In conclusion, a compound microscope is a powerful tool for magnifying samples in pathology or forensic labs. Understanding the different parts of a compound microscope is important. The compound microscope uses mechanical, optical, and illumination components to create detailed images of specimens. The parts of compound microscope like the base, arm, and objective lens, offers magnification ranging from 40x to 1000x which is crucial for scientific research and education.

FAQs – Parts Of Compound Microscope

What is a Compound Microscope?

Compound microscope is a multi lense high-resolution device that is used to create an enlarged two dimensional image of a particular sample.

Which are the Two Types of Lenses Present in a Compound Microscope?

There are 2 types of lenses. Ocular lens or Eyepiece and Objective lens.

Why is a Compound Microscope Used?

A compound microscope is used to examine the specimens at high magnification (varies from 40 to 1000x).

What is the Purpose of the Stage in a Compound Microscope?

It is place where an user can place the specimen for observation between two clips.

Why Diaphragm is Important in a Compound Microscope?

The diaphragm adjusts the contrast and brightness of the specimen. It is a control center which regulates the amount of light.

What is the Optical Part of a Compound Microscope?

The optical part of a compound microscope includes the lenses and mirrors that magnify and focus the specimen. It enables clear visualization of tiny objects under the microscope’s lens.

What are the Different Parts of a Compound Microscope Practical Class 11?

The different parts of a compound microscope include the eyepiece, objective lenses, stage, condenser, and light source. These components work together to magnify and illuminate specimens for observation.

What are the 3 Major Parts of Compound Microscope?

The 3 major parts of a compound microscope are the eyepiece (ocular lens), the objective lenses, and the stage where the specimen is placed for observation.