Identify the reference
Eyepiece above a revolving objective turret. Mechanical stage holds the slide. Coarse and fine focus controls move the focusing mechanism
MEDIVEERSETHE PRACTICAL HUBLOOK CLOSELY / UNDERSTAND CLEARLY
Microscope in dermatology
Recognise the microscope used to examine appropriately prepared teaching samples.
REFERENCE GALLERY1 / 1 reference
1
Eyepiece
Eyepiece: located on the reference instrument. Compare its shape and position with the apparatus used in your practical.
Zoom in, then drag to inspect. Keyboard: + / − to zoom, arrows to pan, 0 to reset. Tap the numbered markers to explore parts.
Compound microscope — reference view
Image: Chad Anderson, staff photographer for SFO Museum · Source / original · CC BY-SA 2.0Resized and converted to WebP; original colours retained.
Identify and explain
The objective forms a magnified intermediate image; the eyepiece magnifies it further. Total magnification is objective × eyepiece magnification.
- Eyepiece above a revolving objective turret
- Mechanical stage holds the slide
- Coarse and fine focus controls move the focusing mechanism
Explain the measurement
The objective forms a magnified intermediate image; the eyepiece magnifies it further. Total magnification is objective × eyepiece magnification.
Interpret in context
This is an instrument reference, not a photograph of a particular infection. Interpret samples only with appropriate preparation and clinical context.
At the viva table
Try answering aloud, then open the suggested answer. Examiner questions vary.
01 / How is total magnification calculated?
Multiply objective magnification by eyepiece magnification; 40× and 10× give 400×.
02 / Why use fine rather than coarse focus at high power?
Fine focus gives controlled small adjustments and reduces the chance of driving an objective into the slide.
03 / What is resolving power?
The ability to distinguish two closely spaced points as separate; magnification alone does not improve resolution.
04 / Why use immersion oil with a designated oil objective?
It reduces refractive mismatch between glass and the objective and permits a higher numerical aperture. Use only objectives intended for oil.