Mike Turner explains the construction of the viola:
and the differences between a viola and a violin:
He also discusses the character of the instrument:
There are normally four strings on a viola, tuned to C3, G3, D4, A4
Scroll = curved end of the viola
Peg = device for tuning strings (by altering their tension)
Peg box = the frame that holds the pegs
Nut = the ridge on the edge of the peg box that supports
the strings
Neck = the extension from the body of the viola
that supports the fingerboard
Fingerboard = the wooden surface
against which the fingers are pressed f-hole = openings
in the body of the viola from which the sound emerges
Bridge
= a shaped piece of thin wood supporting the strings and
through which sound is transmitted to the body
Tailpiece
= anchors the strings
Chin rest = shaped wooden rest
End pin = attaches tailpiece to body of instrument
Tip = the end point of the bow
Hairs = the stretched horsehair (or other material) which
normally makes contact with the strings
Wood = flexible,
and usually supports the hairs
Frog = the heel of the bow.