Lesson 1-1:
Microscopy
Introduction
Parts of the Compound Microscope
Correct Use
. . . .

Parts of Compound Microscope

The compound microscope has three main parts: magnifying parts, illuminating parts, and mechanical parts.

Magnifying Parts

The magnifying parts are used to enlarge the view of specimens. Following are these parts:

  1. Objective lens—the most important of the optical parts. Commonly, there are three or four objective lenses: the low power objective (LPO), high power objective (HPO), and oil immersion objective (OIO).
  2. The LPO is shorter than the other objectives and is usually marked 10×. It locates and shows the structure of the specimen. The HPO is long and slender and is usually marked 45× or 60×. It shows the detailed structure of the specimen.
  3. The OIO is a special type of objective lens; it may be long or short. It is used to increase the resolution of the microscope. It has a small lens at its end that is usually marked 99× or 100×. A drop of cedar oil is used on the specimen before it is viewed under the lens.