GENERAL HISTOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Most compound microscopes come with interchangeable lenses known as objective lenses. Objective lenses come in various magnification powers, with the most common being 4x, 10x, 40x, and 100x, also known as scanning, low power, high power, and (typically) oil immersion objectives, respectively.

Detailed explanation-2: -For example, optical (light) microscopes are usually equipped with four objectives: 4x and 10x are low power objectives; 40x and 100 are powerful ones. The total magnification (received with 10x eyepiece) of less than 400x characterizes the microscope as a low-powered model; more than 400x as a powerful one.

Detailed explanation-3: -A microscope’s total magnification is a combination of the eyepieces and the objective lens. For example, a biological microscope with 10x eyepieces and a 40x objective has 400x magnification.

Detailed explanation-4: -So, if you are viewing your slide under the 40x objective lens you would multiply that by the 10x of the ocular lens for a total magnification of 400x.