Key parts include lenses (magnify), stage (holds slide), focus knobs (coarse and fine for focusing), diaphragm (controls light amount), and condenser (focuses light).
Sequence of objective lenses
Start with scanning (lowest power), then low, then high power to safely focus and locate the specimen.
When to use coarse vs. fine focus
Use coarse focus only on low power to avoid damaging slides; switch to fine focus for higher magnifications.
Function of diaphragm and condenser
Diaphragm adjusts light intensity; condenser focuses light onto the specimen for clarity.
Sagittal plane
Divides the body into left and right halves; useful for viewing brain hemispheres.
Coronal plane
Divides the body into anterior (front) and posterior (back) parts; frontal view.
Transverse plane
Divides the body into superior (top) and inferior (bottom) parts; cross-sectional view.