Microscope Say: my-kro-skope A microscope is a very powerful magnifying glass. The entire world – our bodies included – are made up of billions of tiny living things that are so small you can't see them with just your eyes. But with a microscope, it's possible to examine the cells of your body or a drop of blood. By using a microscope to see these things up close, a doctor can spot cancer cells, bacteria, and other problems that could be causing a person's illness. Back to Articles Related Articles Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.