Monocular

Definition

A monocular microscope is an optical instrument with a single eyepiece used to magnify small objects or specimens. It is commonly employed in microbiology for viewing microorganisms and cellular structures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. A monocular microscope typically has one eyepiece lens, making it suitable for individual use.
2. It often includes objective lenses of varying magnifications, such as 4x, 10x, 40x, and 100x (oil immersion).
3. The light source in monocular microscopes can be either built-in illumination or an external light source.
4. Adjustments like coarse and fine focusing knobs are essential for obtaining a clear image.
5. Monocular microscopes are generally more affordable and easier to use compared to binocular or trinocular microscopes.

Review Questions

• What is the primary difference between a monocular microscope and other types of microscopes?
• Why might a monocular microscope be preferred in certain laboratory settings?
• What adjustments are necessary to obtain a clear image using a monocular microscope?

Related terms

Binocular Microscope: An optical instrument with two eyepieces, allowing both eyes to view the specimen simultaneously.

Objective Lens: The lens closest to the specimen that provides initial magnification in a microscope.

Coarse Focus Knob: A knob on the microscope used for making large adjustments to focus the image.