Functions of Microscope

Microscope is a tool that produces enlarged images of small objects, allowing the observer to have an exceedingly close view of minute structures in a slide. It is primarily used for examination and analysis. Here, let us learn more about different types of microscopes and also their parts and functions.

Table of Contents

Types of Microscopes

The basic objective of a microscope is to magnify small objects. More than magnification, the most important function of a microscope is to provide resolution. It should render high-quality details of the desired specimen in order to proceed with the experiment and analysis. Simple and compound are some of the earliest known microscopes that have been recently replaced by electron and fluorescent microscopes. The different types of microscopes are as follows:

Light Microscopes

These are basic microscopes that use light to magnify objects. The lenses in these microscopes refract the light for the objects beneath them to appear closer. The different types of light or optical microscopes are:

  • Compound microscope
  • Simple microscope
  • Dissection or stereo microscope

Stereo microscope parts labelled

Electron Microscopes

Instead of light, these microscopes use beams of electrons to generate images. The two well-known electron microscopes are:

  • TEM (Transmission Electron Microscope) – the electrons transmit or pass through a very thin specimen.
  • SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) – It scans through the surface of the specimen by focusing the electron beam.

As a result of technical advancements, one can also find more efficient microscopes like scanning probe microscopes and scanning acoustic microscopes.

Labelled Microscope Parts

Compound Microscope with Parts Name

Compound microscope

Simple Microscope With Parts Name

Simple Microscope

A simple microscope is a basic light microscope that has only one lens. The condenser part is absent in simple microscopes. They work on natural light and there is less usage of hooks and knobs for adjustments. On the other hand, compound microscopes have 2 adjustment knobs – fine and coarse. Their magnification is also higher than the simple microscope.

Microscope Components

A compound microscope is a high-power microscope that has higher magnification levels than a low-power or dissection microscope. It is used to examine tiny specimens like cell structures that cannot be viewed at lower magnification levels. A compound microscope is made up of both structural and optical components. The 3 basic structural components are – the head, arm and base.

  1. The body or head comprises the optical parts present in the upper part of the microscope
  2. The arm connects and supports the base and head of the microscope. Also, it is used to carry the microscope.
  3. Base of the microscope supports the microscope and comprises the illuminator

The optical part of the microscope includes:

  1. Eyepiece
  2. Eye tube
  3. Objective lenses
  4. Nosepiece
  5. Adjustment knobs
  6. Stage
  7. Illuminator
  8. Condenser and condenser focus knob
  9. Diaphragm

The ocular or eyepiece is what an observer looks through and is present in the upper portion of the microscope. The eyepiecetube clasps the eyepieces which are positioned above the objective lens. The objective lenses are the main optical lenses. They range in various magnifications from 4x to 100x and generally include 3 to 5 lenses on a single microscope. Nosepiece houses the objective lenses.

The fine and coarse focus knobs are the adjustment knobs that are often used to focus the microscope. They are coaxial knobs. This means the focusing system of both fine and coarse focus are mounted on the same axis. There is also a condenser focus knob which moves the condenser up or down to control the lighting

The stage is where the specimen to be viewed is placed. A mechanical stage is often used when working on a specimen at a higher magnification. This is when delicate movement of the specimen is required. Stage clips are operated to hold the slide in place. To see different areas of the specimen, the observer must physically move the slide. A separate knob is present to move the slide in the mechanical stage. The aperture is a tiny hole in the stage via which the transmitted light enters the stage.

An illuminator acts as the light source and is typically located at the microscope’s base. Most light microscopes operate on halogen bulbs with low voltage and also have variable and continuous lighting control within the base. A condenser is typically used to gather and focus the illuminator’s light onto the specimen. It is found beneath the stage and is often observed in conjunction with a diaphragm or iris. Iris or Diaphragm regulates the amount of light that reaches the specimen. It is situated above the condenser but beneath the stage.

See more:Study of Parts of a Compound Microscope

Functions of Microscope

The primary function of a microscope is to study biological specimens. A microscope solely functions on two concepts – magnification and resolution. Magnification is simply the ability of the microscope to enlarge the image. Whereas the ability to analyse minute details depends on the resolution.

Compound and dissection microscopes are the two types of microscopes that are mostly used in schools for educational purposes.

Functions of compound microscope

  • It simplifies the study of viruses and bacteria.
  • They are used in pathology labs to make an easy diagnosis of diseases.
  • They are also used in forensic laboratories to identify human fingerprints.

Both simple and compound microscopes can be used for microbiological studies. Specimens like fungi and algae can be viewed under these microscopes. Microscopes can also be used to study soil particles.

Functions of dissection microscope

  • Help to study the topography of solid samples.
  • It is used for dissections and microsurgical procedures
  • It is also used in forensic engineering

Functions of electron microscope

Electron microscopes are expensive devices that are mostly used in industrial and medical research.

  • They are used for micro characterization of a sample
  • Helps in tissue imaging
  • Device testing
  • Mineral liberation analysis

These are few applications associated with each microscope. Keep exploring BYJU’S Biology to learn more such exciting topics.

Also Check:

Difference between Cell and Tissue

Difference between Virus and Bacteria

Difference between Fungi and Lichens

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1

What are the different uses of simple and compound microscopes?

Compound microscope is a high-power microscope and has better resolution than a simple microscope. A simple microscope is used in fields where there is no need for rigorous research. It is used in the study of soil particles, fungi and algae. A compound microscope is used in places of extensive research like pathological and forensic labs.
Q2

What is the function of a diaphragm in a microscope?

Iris or diaphragm is the rotating disc found under the stage. Its main role is to control the amount of light passing through the specimen. It is located below the microscope stage and above the condenser lens. An Abbe condenser with an iris diaphragm is often found in most high-quality microscopes. They govern the focus and quantity of light applied to the specimen when used together.
Q3

What is the function of stage and stage clips in a microscope?

The stage is a flat platform of a microscope where specimen slides can be placed. A mechanical stage is often used when working on a specimen at a higher magnification. This is when delicate movement of the specimen is required. It has knobs to move the slide to the right and left, down and up. Stage clips are operated when there is no mechanical stage to hold the specimen.
Q4

What is the function of a nosepiece in a microscope?

A turret or revolving nosepiece of a microscope is a part that holds objective lenses (can be two or many). The vital role of the nosepiece is to rotate those objective lenses and help to change the magnification power.
Q5

What is the function of the arm and base in a microscope?

Arm is the structural component that supports the eye tube and ocular lenses and connects the microscope head portion to the base of the microscope. Base is the bottom part that supports the whole microscope and houses the illuminator.