American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Technologist in Cytogenetics certification (ASCP CG) Practice Test

What is a key characteristic of an inverted microscope?

1. The objectives are beneath the stage

2. The light source is positioned above the specimen

3. The stage is fixed and does not move

4. The eyepiece has adjustable magnification

The correct answer is: The objectives are beneath the stage

An inverted microscope is specifically designed for viewing samples from below, which is a key characteristic of its construction. In this type of microscope, the objectives are positioned beneath the stage, allowing for observation of living cells or larger specimens in a petri dish or culture vessel from underneath. This configuration is particularly beneficial for examining specimen layers and samples that need to remain undisturbed, as it provides a clear view without disrupting the setup. The light source, in this case, is generally located above the specimen rather than below it, as it would be in a traditional upright microscope. Additionally, the stage of an inverted microscope is not fixed; it allows for movement to focus on different areas of the specimen. While some microscopes do have eyepieces with adjustable magnification, this feature is not unique to inverted microscopes and is not the primary characteristic that defines them. Therefore, the positioning of the objectives beneath the stage is what sets the inverted microscope apart and enhances its utility in certain types of biological research.