Parts of Compound Microscope

Parts of Compound Microscope: A compound microscope is a scientific instrument generally used to magnify microscopic objects. It uses two sets of lenses to produce a magnified image of the object. There are various parts of a compound microscope.

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

What is a Compound Microscope?

A compound microscope is a multi-lens, high-resolution device used to create an enlarged, two-dimensional image of a particular sample. It has a higher magnification rate of about 40 to 1000x. Compound microscope is mainly used in pathology or forensic labs. A compound microscopes 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

We have created a table for better understanding of compound microscope parts. Let us discuss this in detail.

Mechanical Components – Create and Define The Structure Of A Microscope
Base	The base is the foot of a compound microscope. It looks like the letter “U,” made of metal.
Pillar	The pillar stands on the base vertically. It also supports the stage of the microscope. It is a connection between the stage and the base.
Arm	The arm is a strong connection between the base and upper parts. It is just like the backbone of a compound microscope.
Inclination Joint	When it is important to set a viewing angle for an observation, we can tilt the microscope by using this.
Stage	It is a platform-like structure made of metal. The stage fits the lower part of the arm. It has a hole in the center to pass the light. We can place the specimens here to examine their features.
Body Tube	It is the upper part of the arm. The body tube is a tube-like structure that can be regulated up and down by using adjustment knobs. It holds the objective lens (nose piece) and ocular lens (head) together.
Draw Tube	A drawtube is a small, fixed tube present in the upper part of the body. The major function is to hold the ocular lens.
Rack and Pinion	It is a structure usually attached to the body tube or the stage to bring the specimen into focus.
Adjustment Screws	The adjustment screws are mainly used to tune a compound microscope. The coarse adjustment moves the stage and lenses up and down. It sets the initial focus of the microscope. The fine adjustment makes slow moves for higher and more accurate magnification to get sharp images of the specimen.
Automatic Stop	To prevent any damage to the objective lens, there is a small screw in the rack and pinion. It is known as the automatic stop.
Clips	In the upper part of the stage, there are two clips present to hold the slides in place.
Optical Components – For a compound microscope, the optical components are lenses those are attached to it.
Illumination Components – The illuminator is the light source of a microscope. For a compound microscope, a mirror or light can be used as the illuminator.
Diaphragm	The diaphragm is present at the bottom of the stage. This part controls and regulates the light intensity.
Condenser	A condenser is an optical tool with which we can focus the light by moving it up and down.
Reflector	A reflector is a mirror-like structure that is usually attached under the base. It is a combined version of a plane mirror and a concave mirror. A plane mirror is used for strong light, and a concave mirror is mainly used for weak light.
Eyepiece or Ocular Lens	It is the topmost lens of a microscope. Ocular lenses are usually used to view the microscopic structure (closest view) of a specimen. There are four types of ocular lenses: 5X 10X 15X 20X
Objective Lenses	Objective lenses are present at the top of the stage of the microscope. Actually. Objective lenses are responsible for projecting the magnified image of the specimen. There are three types of objective lenses: Oil immersion objective (100X) High-power objective (45X) Low-power objective (10X)

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 of Compound Microscope

There are advantages to a compound microscope, including:

• These microscopes can magnify objects up to 3000 times. It is really useful to study small objects.
• A compound microscope has its light source attached to it.
• They are relatively small, portable, and less expensive.
• With a compound microscope, we can examine the live samples.

Disadvantages of Compound Microscope

Though it has so many advantages, we cannot ignore the disadvantages of a compound microscope. they are:

• Compound microscopes are sensitive to vibration and external magnetic fields.
• In certain cases, once the magnification limit is reached, we cannot examine the sample further.

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.

Simple Microscope	Compound Microscope	Electron Microscope
Single convex lens.	Objective lens and eyepiece.	Objective lens and eyepiece.
Magnification power is low.	Magnification power is high.	Magnification power is very high.
Relies on natural light or external sources.	Equipped with an integrated light source.	Uses electrons.
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.