Which part of the microscope is closest to the specimen and helps magnify the image?

The part of the microscope that is closest to the specimen and assists in magnifying the image is the objective lens. This lens is designed to gather light from the specimen and focus it to produce a magnified image.

Objective lenses are available in various magnifications, allowing the user to switch between them to see the specimen at different levels of detail. When observing a sample under a microscope, the objective lens directly interacts with the light emitted or reflected from the specimen, making it crucial for both clarity and detail of the view.

In contrast, the eyepiece lens, while important for viewing the magnified image, is situated further away from the specimen. The stage serves as the platform on which the specimen slide is placed, and the base provides support for the entire microscope structure. Each component plays a vital role, but the objective lens is the key element for magnification directly related to the specimen being observed.