Cytology, General Histology and Embryology - V. K. Napkhanyuk 2002

Microscopes. Microscopy Technique
Microscopy Technique

The microscopic examination of histological specimens begins with Setting up proper illumination. To achieve this, a concave mirror that gathers diffused light rays and a condenser are used to ensure even illumination of the field of view. The specimen is placed on the Microscope stage with the coverslip facing upward.

The Study of micropreparations starts under low magnification. The distance between the front lens of the low-power objective and the coverslip should be approximately 1 cm. Focus is adjusted using the coarse adjustment knob. To examine details across the entire area of the micropreparation, it is moved manually on the stage. Once the specific area requiring detailed study is identified, the revolving nosepiece is rotated to switch to a higher-power objective (x40), and the focus is then fine-tuned using the fine adjustment knob.

When studying extremely fine histological structures, an oil immersion objective (x90) is used. A drop of immersion oil is placed onto the coverslip, and the microscope tube is carefully lowered until the front lens of the objective makes contact with the oil. A sharp image is obtained by adjusting the fine focus knob. Upon completion of the work, the oil must be removed from both the objective lens and the coverslip.



Last update: 10/08/2026

Editorial and Educational Adaptation: This material has been compiled based on the primary/original source text. The project team performed an editorial review, corrected technical inaccuracies, structured sections, and adapted the content for an educational format.

What was processed:

  • elimination of formatting defects (OCR errors, structural breaks, corrupted characters);
  • editorial organization of content;
  • standardization of terminology in accordance with academic sources;
  • verification of factual statements against the original source text.

All mentions of the author, publication year, and origin of the primary text have been preserved in accordance with the source.