Key learning points

1. The parts of a light microscope and their functions, and the sequence of steps for setting up a light microscope.
2. A light microscope can be used to observe blood cells on a prepared slide.
3. Observations from a light microscope can be recorded in a labelled scientific line drawing with an indication of scale.
4. A light microscope can be used to observe sections of blood vessels and differences in the structures of their walls.
5. Explaining observations from microscopy of differences in the walls of different blood vessels.

Keywords

• Light microscope - An instrument that uses visible light and lenses to magnify viewed objects.

• Lens - Glass or plastic disc that refracts light to increase magnification.

• Focus - To make an image sharper and clearer.

• Magnification - The number of times greater in size the viewed object is compared to its actual size.

• Red blood cell - A cell that transports oxygen around the body.

Common misconception