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

What part of the microscope magnifies the primary image of an object?

1. Objective lens

2. Condenser lens

3. Eyepiece

4. Illuminator

The correct answer is: Eyepiece

The part of the microscope that magnifies the primary image of an object is the objective lens. The objective lens is designed to gather light from the specimen and focus it to create a magnified image. Different objective lenses provide various levels of magnification and resolution, allowing for detailed observation of the specimen being examined. The eyepiece, while it does magnify the image further after it has been produced by the objective lens, primarily serves to give the observer a closer view of that already magnified image. Its main function is to facilitate easier viewing rather than to generate the initial magnification of the primary image. The condenser lens is responsible for focusing light onto the specimen to enhance the contrast and clarity of the image but does not create magnification on its own. The illuminator provides the light needed to illuminate the specimen, ensuring that the features can be seen clearly but does not contribute to magnifying the image itself.