Question

There are two light sources in a dissecting microscope, one in the base and another in the arm. Explain which would be preferred and why while observing:

a. Ridges on the finger: _______________________________________________________

b. Skin slide: _____________________________________________________

Answer 1

There are two light sources in a dissecting microscope, one in the base and another in the arm. Explain which would be preferred and why while observing:

a. Ridges on the finger: Direct illumination from incident light.

b. Skin slide: Transmitted light.

Two light sources of the dissecting microscope are incident and transmitted light. Incident lights can illuminate opaque objects. Since the fingers are opaque which can be viewed by direct illumination. In case of transmitted source, light rays are reflected via a translucent object and having the light source underneath the substage mirror. Glass slide is translucent and can be viewed by transmitted light source in the base.