Microscopy is used in many areas of biological science and is an extremely useful tool in aiding research, and is particularly valuable in the study of the components of organisms. Microscopes work using a complex coordinated system of lenses in such a way that a magnified image of a specimen is seen many times its actual size.

Obtaining a clear image is crucial and is dependant on several things; correct usage of the microscope (which will be explained in the method section of this report), good resolution and good contrast.

Good resolution is acquired by keeping all lenses clean and depends on the wavelength of the illumination. Due to the wave nature of light, it cannot be focussed beyond 200nm and therefore features beyond this would be indistinguishable. Electron microscopes have shorter wavelengths, but a light microscope is more appropriate for observing whole blood cells.

Good contrast is essential for the comparison between areas of the specimen, such as light areas vs. dark areas. A problem that arises is that most cells are different shades of grey and to increase the contrast, specimens a

Eosinophils can range from 12-17 micrometres in diameter. They have a bilobed nucleus, which is often obscured when observed under light microscopy by the large numbers of granules in the cytoplasm. They are less active in phagocytosis and have control over allergic reactions. They are found in larger numbers in people who suffer form allergies. None were observed.

Neutrophils are the most abundant of white blood cells and, as seen in the observations made, are larger than erythrocytes. Their most prominent feature is their lobulated nucleus, with the lobes becoming more pronounced as the cell matures. Fully matured neutrophils usually have five lobes connected by fine strands. This suggests that the neutrophil observed may not have reached full maturity as only four lobes were seen that were not fully separated.

Some topics in this essay:
Introduction Microscopy, Name Neutrophil, CO2 O2, blood cells, white blood, Blood Aim, white blood cells, micrometres diameter, power objective, bone marrow, larger erythrocytes, low power objective, power objective lens, cell observed, erythrocytes leucocytes, looking eyepiece, eyepiece lenses, looking eyepiece lenses, slightly larger erythrocytes,