BASICS OF HEALTH

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Title
BASICS OF HEALTH
extracted text
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BASICS
OF
HEALTH

The Foundation for Research in Community Health
3 & 4, Trimiti B Apts., 85, Anand Park, Aundh, Pune - 411007
Tel: (020) 25887020, Fax: (020) 25881308
Email: frchpune@giaspn01.vsnl.net.in

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BASICS OF HEALTH

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INDEX

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1

Functions of the body

01 -08

2.

We and Our Health

09- 14

3.

The Structure of the Body

15-20

4.

The Relationship between Structure and Function of the Body

21 -27

5.

The body - AComplete/Whole Unit

28-34

6.

Cell and Tissue

35-41

7.

Joints and Fluid Tissues

42-46

8.

The Circulatory System

47-58

9.

The Digestive System

59-67

10.

Introduction to the Respiratory system

68-75

12.

Glossary

76-76

SOCHARA
Community Health
Library and Information Centre (CLIC)
Centre for Public Health and Equity
No. 27, 1st Floor, 6th Cross, 1st Main,
1st Block, Koramangala, Bengaluru - 34

Tel: 080 - 41280009
email: clic@sochara.org / cphe@sochara.org
www.sochara.org

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Lesson 1
Functions of the body
Aims
Reading this lesson will make you understand.



The functions of the body



How the body works as a unit

Knowledge
You will get to know


How the body functions

Skill
You will learn


How to simplify

difficult ideas

Perspective
You will realize



How to spread information and awareness among people.
How the body works as a whole / single unit.

2

Introduction
When you talk to people in their language, it is easy for them to understand and this

makes the health worker’s task easy
In this lesson we will come to know how the body

functions.
This morning Radha’s neighbour asked Ayushi to

come to Radha’s house. Radha is Ayushi’s friend. Radha
had high fever. Ayushi gave her medicine, wiped her

body with a cold, wet towel. Just when she was wiping

her body, Radha’s mother-in-law scolded her, saying,
"What is she doing? Do you wish to kill my daughter-

in-law? Has any one ever heard of wiping the body with
cold water during fever?” Ayushi informed her that she

was doing exactly what she was taught in the primary
health center during training.

But Radha’s mother-in-law said that she would not
allow her to do such things. Ayushi felt very bad but she

was more worried about Radha, in case her fever rose higher creating some difficult problem.
Just then Asha, Radha’s 10-year-old daughter came and told her grandmother that Ayushi

is doing the right thing. The school-teacher had also taught

them the same thing. When Radha’s mother-in-law
scolded her, she said, “Grandma, if you wish you can

open my school book and read for yourself.” Grandmother

complained that Asha was purposely mentioning the
schoolbook because she knew she couldn’t read.
Asha questioned grandmother why would Ayushi be
taught wrong things during training. She wondered

whether she could have cured so many patients with her
medicines if she had learnt anything wrong. She also

added that if mother didn’t get better even two hours

after Ayushi’s treatment, she would take her to the
government hospital.

Grandmother couldn’t do anything against her, so Ayushi got a chance to give her treatment.
Radha’s fever came down.

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But this experience taught Ayushi that when children are given information they grasp

it quickly because they are not prejudiced.
So Ayushi thought that she would give information about the human physiology to children

from fifth to seventh classes during the summer vacation. She informed the school before
the vacation and discussed this with the teacher. When the children reported this at home

many women sent messages that they would also like to know more about the body.

So Ayushi decided to hold discussions with these women every Friday evening. She
realized that her task would become easier when people were given information by her.

When Ayushi invited the women to gather at the Samaj Mandir, some senior and old
women also showed interest. Ayushi welcomed them too. But they all had some suspicion.
Ayushi asked them to tell her about their problems. Kusum chachi said,” I am not able
to read or write, can I learn anything about the body?”

Radha’s mother-in-law said, ’’Whatever you are learning about this body, this will turn

into dust again; talk about the soul and God. Talk about after death.”
But Kusum chachi wanted information about the body. She didn’t have any children and

her relatives always blamed her body for it. She wanted to know what her shortcoming

was. So she told Radha’s mother-in-law “Bhabhi, if you don’t want to learn, don’t come,
But I must know about my body which is my identity”.

Kusum chachi asked Ayushi whether she had any difficulty in learning about the body.
Ayushi replied that she didn’t have any problem because her mother was a mid-wife and
she had observed deliveries since childhood. But many of her friends got upset while studying

the science of the body when they heard names like urine, stools etc.

Kusum chachi said, ’’This body is a terrible thing. It is the source of illness, it is unhealthy
but we must know about it.

However, Ayushi felt that our body gives us a lot of joy not just sorrow, so why should

we hesitate to know about it?”
If you think about the conversations between Ayushi, Kusum chachi and Radha’s mother-

in-law, what comes to your mind? You can make a list of the common notions about the
body, what are the proceptions? You may wonder where to collect this information. Sit with

some old women and ask them what the body is made of, can they name the organs and

their locations? Is the woman’s body different than a man’s body? How do they look after
their body? If not, why?

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4

Answers to these questions will lead to many more questions. This will form a picture
about the body in front of you. This will contain many beliefs.

If we analyse the above conversations, we will realize that the following are the issues
in getting information about the body -

• The body is very complex. You need education to understand it.

• What is the use of knowing about the body which is perishable, since we know only
the soul is in imperishable?

• Repulsion towards the fluids and the excreted materials
of the body.
Your list may contain some more points. There may

be a positive point of view towards the body.
On the first day Ayushi tried to remove the women’s

prejudice against the body being very difficult to
understand. To remove their fear, she asked them to

explain the functions of the body. They said, ”How do

we know what our bodies do? She said, “Tell me, what
have you done since morning ?” This was the list.

- Cleaned the teeth.
- Had a bath.
- Swept and mopped the house
- Cooked food
- Cleaned utensils

- Washed clothes.
- Worked in the field.
- Had meals.

- Got the children ready, etc.

Ayushi asked, “ Is there any one who has not given out waste materials from the body?
Did anyone forget to breathe? Is there anyone who did not see or hear anything today?”

The women began to laugh and questioned whether seeing or hearing is “work”? They
wondered how breathing could be a “function” of the body.
Ayushi asked them. Why they didn’t consider these things as genuine tasks done by

the body?. Surekha felt that these actions happen by themselves and do not use any energy.
Ayushi reminded Surekha that she scolded her son for tiring his eyes when he read
too many books on one day. This meant that eyes work and need rest. The same is true

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of the ears. And what would happen if breathing stops? Everyone knows.

This shows that the body is constantly working. Our heart continues to beat and we keep

breathing even during sleep.
Then Ayushi asked, “What does a bus need to keep running?” "Diesel” was the answer;

just as a fire needs wood. This means that fuel is necessary to produce energy. We also
require energy to sweep and mop, to clean utensils. How then, is energy created in our

body?
The body bums food with oxygen, to produce energy. This energy is used to carry out

different activities. That is why the body works well if it gets proper food and there is no

fatigue.
Then Ayushi enquired, “Kusum chachi, you learnt embroidery from your mother. But she
has been dead since 20 years, then how can you still do embroidery?”

Kusum chachi wondered whether anyone stops embroidery work after one’s mother’s death!
“No,” clarified Ayushi, “What 1 meant, is, now who tells you how to do embroidery?”

“Oh” replied Kusum Chachi,” My mind! Our mind stores all information and we remember

it whenever we need it.”
Radha who sat next to her, added, “ If our mind didn’t work, we would forget to eat,

how to do farming, how to move about, in fact everything. No one tells us daily

how to

cook the vegetables or how to work in the fields. Why are you asking us?”
“Right”, said Ayushi, ”We get all this information through our ears, eyes, nose, taste and

touch. We collect it in our mind.

Nirmala (Radha’s mother -in-law) asked, Haven’t the activities of the body been covered/
completed yet?” Ayushi informed them that 2 or 3 tasks yet remained.
“If you fall ill do you take medicines immediately? Don’t you get well even without medicine?”

Nirmala replied that she had taken medicines only twice in her life of 50 years. “Medicine
is not necessary for ordinary ailments.”

Ayushi explained, “That means the body can itself fight against disease. If there is a
small cut or a wound, the body heals it on its own”
Radha wanted to know, “ If the body has the capacity to cure, why does it take so long
for fever to come down?”

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Ayushi clarified, “If an ordinary person like me comes and slaps you, you can hit me

back. But if a stronger person strikes you, or if many of us together attack you, can you
defend yourself? Whoever is more powerful, wins. In the same way, if the illness is more
powerful than one’s energy, the body needs outside help to get well again."

As in farming, we all know that if you want a good crop, the rainfall should be neither
too much nor too little. If plants get the correct amount of water, minerals and sunlight, they
grow well. If they do not get it, they will wither. Similarly, the body has to maintain a limited

temperature, pulse rate, breathing etc. to live and remain healthy.

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Summary
1) The body produces energy with the help of food material and oxygen. Energy is used to do
the basic functions of the body (digestion of food, respirations, heart beat etc). But human
beings use the extra energy for other tasks like construction of buildings, scientific inventions,
creation of literature and finding out remedies for illnesses. The body works like a factory.

2) The body collects/ gathers details about the nature / environment with the help of sense
organs (eyes, nose, skin, ears, tongue). This information is stored in the mind. It can be recalled
whenever necessary. The mind works faster and better than any computer.
3) The body takes care of itself. It fights against attacks.

4) The body keeps itself fit and fine. It grows new skin over an injured part of the body.

5) The body reproduces to preserve the human race through new generations.
6) Internal balance.

7) The various systems (digestive, respiratory etc.) coordinate with each other to keep the body
alive. The body processes, organs and the smallest unit namely the cell need a stable environment
to function. This stability is created to controlling temperature, amount of water, minerals
etc. Such control is achieved by the interaction of several systems including the nervous system.
It consists of many small but complex steps.

8) Illness disturbs the internal balance of the body.

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7

Self-assessment
1. How is energy created in the body?

2. Discuss the ideas and notions about the body with five women and write what
common people think.
3. Write in your own words the new information received by you. (Knowledge gained)

reading this lesson / chapter.

Exercise
Choose the correct alternatives
1) Which of these helps our body to produce energy ?

i) Blood
ii) Air

iii) Food material and oxygen
iv) Oxygen
2) Information about the body should be given to people

i) To take preventive measures
ii) To understand causes of diseases /illness

iii) To develop a positive attitude towards the body.

iv) All of the above.

Fill in the blanks with the following
1. Brain

2. body temperature, pulse rate and rate of breathing

3. disease 4. internal control.

1. The various processes, organs and cells maintain the
2.

3.
4.

The systems of the body are controlled by.

is caused by internal imbalance.

The body has to maintain

to remain alive.

of the body.

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Answers:

(Blanks)

1-4,

2-1,

3-3,

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Lesson 2

We and Our Health

OBSERVE:


How do you feel when you walk or work in the hot sun?



How do you feel while harvesting your grain in the field or working very hard?

• What happens when you fast?
• What happens if you cannot fall asleep for a day or two?

Aims
On reading this lesson you will understand

• The basic principles of health
• Our basic relationship with health
• Should morals be accepted while giving information about any subject
Knowledge

You will know about


The principles of health



The relationship between our health and us

Skill
• You will learn to observe
Perspective

You will understand that.


Body language can be understood with a little effort



The destruction of our health results in our destruction

10

Introduction

I

In this chapter you will realize that the activities of our body are similar to the activities

of nature (or - the activities of our body are similar to those in nature). That is why the

saying “ Aham Bramhasmi” meaning thereby that if you know yourself, you know the world.

Observation is necessary to understand oneself. We have to learn this fully. This lesson
will also tell us how we are related to nature.
The number of women who came the next Friday was less than expected. There were

many reasons for this. Some forgot to come, some had guests in their house; some felt
the information was of no use. Ayushi was disappointed. Kusum chachi suggested, “Ayushi,

if you are calling the women every Friday, why don’t you narrate some religious story about

a god or goddess before anything else? This will attract the women.

Ayushi wondered whether it would be right for a health worker to talk about religion.
But the women felt there was nothing wrong.

Savitri was the daughter of a great king. She was------------------------------------------------very intelligent and talented. It was difficult to find
o

.

her to select a suitable husband of her own choice. She

travelled through many states but didn’t approve of any
particular one. While passing through a forest, she

noticed Satyavan. She was attracted to his life with
nature and got married to him.

Satyavan’s parents were blind. He himself fell ill. He
had just one more year left to live. Savitri looked after
the whole family. She made efforts to search for medicinal

plants in the forest to treat Satyavan’s disease. Finally,

with her wisdom, she succeeded in saving her husband’s
life from the clutches of ‘Yama’ i.e. death.

We must think about a princess selecting a husband with a life in the forest. Savitri,
being sensible, had realized that we are part of nature. Our health improves when we are
in contact with nature; we find happiness in that. Ayushi reminded them that life had started

on earth long before man. Plants and animals were already existing on the planet before
man came into being.
Our body has a structure that needs plants and animals to survive. Without plants we

can neither breathe, nor get food to eat. May be, that is why our ancestors began worshipping
plants and animals They wanted us to remember that we are dependent on them and to

11

remain grateful to nature But we forgot this important

fact. We just continued rituals of worship on the one hand
and destroyed them on the other.

Sense of balance: One of the rules of nature is that

all its units remain connected with each other. If this
balance gets disturbed, some plants and animals become

extinct forever e g. If carnivorous animals like the tiger
get

reduced

strength,

in

the

herbivorous animals

like deer will grow in
number. More grass

and plants will be

eaten, leading to soil erosion. While there will be a

constant increase in the number of deer etc, the amount
of flora will keep diminishing, soon these animals will

ft

also disappear. Nature tries to maintain a balance.

Our body also maintains its balance of constant

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//

temperature, amount of oxygen etc. If this balance is

disturbed, we fall ill and a person may even die

Organization and re-use of units
Nothing is useless in nature, e g- fruits, though trees
don’t use their fruit, animals and human beings eat them.
Similarly, the excretions of men and animals feed plants

in the form of manure and gases. Since we are a part

of nature our waste products are part of the food cycle/
chain in nature.
Interdependence: - All beings in nature depend upon

each other. No unit exploits the other. Plants need their

seeds to be dispersed into the soil by those who eat
their parts. Man and animals require food prepared by

plants. Thus everyone in nature is interdependent.

We have seen that the same rules that operate in -------------------------------------------------J
nature are also found in the functions of our body. Man feels very proud that he has conquered

nature. But we must realize that we can be safe only if we protect nature. This will make

12

us humble before nature.
Kusum chachi enquired why Ayushi was saying all this instead of giving information about
the body Ayushi clarified, “This is the relationship between nature and the body. Unless

I explain how the body is a gift of nature, how can we understand about it?
Ayushi told them that the next time they would first discuss these questions and then she

would narrate the story of Mahishasur.
- Why do you think Ayushi revealed the name of the next story?
- What can be the reason for scheduling the story in the middle and not at the beginning
for next time?
- What do you feel?

We think that she wants to make the women eager to come to listen to the story.
Also till they wait for the story to start, they can be involved in the earlier discussion.

- Do you think this is the right approach?

Summary


Man and other units of nature are interdependent. None are great or small. All are
equally important.



Nothing is wasted in Nature. However we create a lot of garbage in the world. Wherever
we go, we find plastic bags lying around. The soil cannot absorb this waste.



There is balance in Nature.

Self-assessment
1. List the festivals related to the worship of nature in your community.
2. Which of our actions cause damage to nature?

3. Find out and explain some examples of interdependence in Nature.
4. Make the observations suggested by Ayushi.

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Exercises
Fill in the blanks

1. Know the world by knowing yourself, 2. Self-observation, 3. Interdependence, 4. Nature.

1. All the units of nature are related to each other by
2.

We are all units of

3. We need to carry out

4.

The meaning of 'Aham Bramhasmi ' is

to understand others.

14

Answers

1-3, 2-4, 3-2, 4-1.

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Lesson 3
The Structure of the Body

Aim
On reading this lesson you will understand

• The aim and method of observing the body
• The structure of the body
Knowledge
&

You will know about

• The location of the parts in the body
• Their names
• The importance of observing the body

Skill
You will learn

• To observe
• A simple way to give information to people
Perspective
You will understand

• The body is not too difficult to understand

• All people can


understand the parts of the body

Everyone has some knowledge about the body

16

Introduction
In the last lesson we saw the work done by the body and the method used by it to

run functions smoothly as one unit. Here we will study the different parts and organs briefly.

We will also understand the structure from a cell to the system.
Many women had come this Friday. All were eager to listen to the tale of Mahishasur.

Ayushi was also determined to narrate it after the discussion. She began by recapitulating
what was learnt in the previous discussion.

Ayushi suggested that they all share their experiences of observing the body.

Ayushi : Since we were sowing paddy in our fields, we had to stand continuously in the
rainwater and bend a lot while working so we have a lot of bodyache.
Kusum Chachi : I was fasting on Tuesday Each time I am on fast, I get a headache later

and feel relieved only after vomiting.

Nirmala : This time we didn’t have a good crop. So whenever I think about how we will

make the two ends meet this year, I get headache or palpitation and I can’t sleep.
Radha : I couldn’t sleep a whole night because my son was ill. Naturally I felt tired throughout

the day and was in low spirits.

Sunita : When I go out to the fields to work, I don’t drink the water outside. Therefore

I suffer constipation the next day.

This discussion convinced Ayushi that she had succeeded in arousing enough curiosity
in them to understand and observe the body. She declared that now they would always

_____________________________ make observations.

She had to fulfil her promise of telling the story.
There was a demon named Mahishasur. He

meditated very hard, appealing to Bramha. Finally Bramha
was pleased and blessed him with a boon. Mahishasur

SI

c

wanted eternal life. Bramha reminded him that in nature

every being that is born had to die, that his death was
certain.
Mahishasur was worried that his meditation would

be wasted. So he made a plan and asked for death
at the hands of a woman He thought that he was so

J mighty that no woman could kill him.
(T’

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Feeling very proud, Mahishasur started harassing

people. He thought that no one could oppose him. At

last, Durga was born. She developed her strength and
studied the body carefully. She wanted to find out the

weak points which could be attacked.

Finally she was victorious and was able to destroy
Mahishasur. We worship her as the “incarnation of
strength”. But do we try to grow strong like her? Do we

try to understand the body?

At the end of the story, Ayushi started gathering

details about where the parts of the body are?
L

What is inside the head? The brain
Head/skull

What is within the chest? Heart and lungs

What lies in the abdomen? Stomach,

Face

intestines
>

What parts lie below the stomach?

I

Reproductive organs

Mouth

Chest

The women knew quite a lot but the list was
incomplete. Ayushi filled it up on the

Liver

Heart

blackboard

Stomach.
Head/skull

Brain

Backbone

Spinal Cord

Face

Eyes, nose, mouth etc. organs

Chest

Lungs, heart, wind pipe,

Abdomen

A

, r

Reproducti

Knees

food-pipe

Abdomen

Stomach, pancreas, spleen, liver. Small - Intestine , part of large intestine,

kidneys, urinary bladder

Lower abdomen -

Parts of large intestine, rectum, urinary bladder, overies in case of women

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Then Ayushi drew the structure of the body with

Rangoli and showed each organ in the diagram.

She explained the locations with a poster. She asked

Jyoti to remove her kurta and drew the organs on her
body with a chalk.
Thus the women understood where each organ is

in the body. She made them show each other’s organs
with chalk. The women said that in future, when they had
any pain, they would realise which organ was involved.

Then Ayushi explained the structure of the body to them.

The structure of

the body

Three hollow areas are created by bones, they are joined by the back bones. The

bones of the hands and legs are connected to this.
The enclosure in the top part (head) is called skull. The next hollow area is the chest
and then the lower abdomen (hips)

The bony cases protect the delicate important organs of the body.
Skull

-

Brain

Chest

-

Heart & lungs

Abdomen

-

Reproductive organs and urinary bladder,

The smallest unit that makes up our body is the cell just as a brick makes the wall.
A cell contains all the features required by the body, for
example, producing energy, self-defence and reproduction.

These are the fundamental functions of a cell. A cell cannot

be expected to function if broken down any further because

it is a complete whole.
Ayushi asked the women whether they would like to meet

again next Friday. When they consented, she informed them
that they would dissect a hen and observe the parts of its

body. She would give some information too. When asked
about the name of the story she would narrate, she kept it

a secret for those who would attend the next time!

19

Summary
In this lesson we see that observation of the body helps us to understand whether our

own body is functioning properly. We can identify the symptoms of illness easily We will
be able to find out which organ has a problem.

Self assessment
1. Draw a diagram of the human body showing the following organs - brain,
lungs, heart, stomach, uterus.
2. What is the role of the hollowness of bones?
3. Why should the body be observed?

4. Write down your observations.
5. Show the villagers the chart of the human body. Ask them to show where

different organs are and write a report of this activity.

Exercise
1. Functions of the body, 2. Reproduction, breathing and hearing 3. Hollowness of bones

1.

is a function of our body.

2.

helps in reducing our body weight and facilitates free

movement.

3.

Observing the body gives us information about

Match the following :

1. Cell

1. Spinal cord

2. Stomach

2. Chest

3. Back bone

3. Small unit

4 Heart

4. Abdomen

20

Answers

Blanks

1-2,

2-3,

3-1

Correct pairs
1-3,

2-4,

3-1,

4-2

2i~|

Lesson 4
The Relationship between Structure and
Function of the Body

Aim
On reading this lesson you will understand that

• The structure of the body is related to its functions
• Information about the structure of the body can be exchanged and discussed at the
village-level.

Knowledge
You will know about

• How the structure and functions of the body are inter-related
• The organs and their functions
Skill

You will learn
• How to relate to the people while doing one’s work
• How to converse while receiving or seeking co-operation from people

Perspective

You will understand that
• A village consists of people with varied capacities. Their qualities should be
recognized and identified.

• Children too can be well-informed and often it is easier to impart new knowledge
to them.

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Introduction

parts of the body to the women. In this chapter she is
going to pass on the information to the school children,
as suggested by Kusum Chachi. She will tell them how
the body is a combined whole from smaller units.

Ayushi conveys her intention of giving the school­
children some information about the body. The teacher

asks her the purpose of doing this. When she explains
that her aim is to remove misinformation about the body

u e1
W

t» 6o *

4

from their minds, he suggests that she should start with
the children in the fifth and sixth standards.

When Ayushi began talking to the children, she realised that they knew the names of
many systems and organs. She thought about the ways and means of increasing this
knowledge.

With the teacher s permission, she called Javed Chacha, the local butcher and asked

him to show the children the internal organs of a chicken carved by him. The teachers felt
they could have dissected a mouse or frog in the school.

But Ayushi felt that children were more familiar with the

fowl as they had them at home and knew about the parts

of their bodies.

Ki

Ayushi pointed to the bag-like organ called the
gizzard (crop). She explained that the fowl eat stones

and seeds to help in grinding their food in this bag. Our

teeth do the same function.
Ayushi: Children, feel this bag with your fingers.
Alok: Its thick.

______________________________ Amit: And quite hard
Asha: If you look carefully you will notice the teath within mesh with each other.
Ayushi: What you say is right about this action. Its purpose is to grind the food. That’s

why you see it expanding and contracting again and again.
Then they were shown two tubes. Ayushi explained that the one against the skin was

23

the wind-pipe which has a firm structure so that it wouldn’t get compressed easiy by external
force.

When the wind-pipe goes into the chest, it divides into two branches leading to the

lungs. Ayushi asked them to describe the lungs.
Jyoti: Soft and pinkish red in colour

Ayushi: They look like the nest of the weaver bird.
Teacher: The I

a lot of blood.
Ayushi: The tiny sacs in the lungs contain the fresh air
inhaled from outside. This is given to the blood and the

unclean gases from it are given out of the body through
the lungs. Do you the function of the bony cage around
the lungs? It contains a muscle called the diaphragm.

4

4

This is a pressure muscle. When it contracts, the chest
expands. The inner air is reduced and outer air enters.

When the diaphragm is relaxed, the chest box is reduced
which increases the pressure of the air inside. Now the
air is sent out.
Teacher: What is function of the chest box?
Amit: To protect the lungs and heart.

Javed Chacha: I’ll show you the heart. It is a triangular firm bag, reddish in colour. Why
is it firm?
Children: Because it has to expand and contract repeatedly. The heart supplies blood con­

taining oxygen to the body. Blood containing carbon dioxide is sent to the lungs.
Then Javed Chacha showed the stomach to the children. It resembled the English letter

'J'. It is connected to the food-pipe at the top and the intestine at the bottom.
Ayushi: Why is the stomach shaped broader in the middle, do you know? Because food

should stay in it for about two hours Since the ends are narrow it will not return to the

food-pipe, it should directly move into the intestine. The muscles at these ends are circular.

If necessary the outlet can be relaxed to push the food out of the stomach.

24

Ayushi showed them how the stomach is to the
left below the ribs.
Javed Chacha showed them the liver on the right

side. Many children said they loved the liver. Some
stated that it was also offered to gods. Javed Chacha
explained that it contained a lot of strength because

■- ■'?

it was the godown of the body. It stored vitamins,

iron and fat to be used when necessary.

Stomach
Javed Chacha: Can you see this greenish bag below Lower part_£
the liver? This has to be thrown away before cooking of the
stomach pf VV M''';'.'t-'-'* \
the chicken. Otherwise it gives a bitter taste.
___HI

'. ■ »H .,■-- • P-.. ,“'1^.2—

Alok: Why is that so?

Ayushi: It stores bile to digest fat. This juice is bitter Sometimes we taste it when we vomit.
Then uncle Javed showed the long and soft tubes called intestines. Ayushi explained
that food is digested inside them. Just as sugar-cane is crushed to give a glass of juice,
the digested food matter fills up the blood. The remaining waste-matter is thrown out of
the body. The small intestine is longer because it has to absorb the digested food. The

large intestine is broader because it has to absorb the water before it excretes the unwanted

refuse.
Javed Chacha turned back the hen to show two kidneys shaped like beans.

Ayushi explained that kidneys work likes sieves. They sift the waste from the blood and
throw it out with the water. Ayushi promised to return to the school a month later. Till then
she asked them to spread word to their families about the parts of the body systems and
the functions of the organs.

25

Summary
The structure of the body is suited to its functions. An organ which has to expand and contract,
cannot be delicate. Similarly, a part which has to absorb something, must be porous.
Secondly the organs are located according to the order of their work. If teeth are meant

for chewing food, they cannot be placed after the stomach!
We should use our knowledge about the body in our day-to-day life. The school bag should
be packed such that the book needed in the first period must be placed right at the top.

Self-assessment
1. What is the function of the lungs?
2. Why is the stomach strong?
3. What is the function of the kidneys?

4. Why is the small intestine long?
5. What is the function of the liver?
6. Write your observations about this lesson with reference to the following points.

a.

Does a health worker need to know the structure of the human

body?

b.

Should more information be given?

c.

Is it difficult to convey information about health to people?

d.

You may give other examples or write about your difficulties.

7. How and why did Ayushi use resources at the village level?

26

Exercise
A. Fill in the blanks

is necessary to
1. Bile

2.

2. Acid from the stomach

4. Blood

3. Pancreatic juice

Digested food is absorbed in
1. Small intestine

o.

digest fatty food.

2. Large intestine

3. Liver

4. Spleen.

3. Spleen

4. Small intestine

Vitamins/lron/Fats are stored in the

1. Liver

2. Stomach

The structure of organs of our body is according to their
3. Function

2. Shape

1. Weight

4. All

of three

B. Fill in the blanks from the list below :

1.

Lungs and heart are inside

2

The heart is

3

The shape of the stomach is

4

The godown of our body is

5.

The colour of the gall bladder is
1. Liver

in colour.

2. Red,

3. Green

4. Like the letter ‘J’

5. The bony cage

C Match the following
1. Diaphragm

1. Pink colour

2. Lungs

2. Godown

3. Liver

3. Reaching pure blood/oxygen to the body

4. Heart

4. Absorbing digested food

5. Stomach

5. Bean shaped

6. Kidney

6. Like the letter ‘J’

7. Small intestine

7.

In contraction and expanding the chest box

27

Answers

A. 1-1, 2-1, 3-1, 4-3

B. 1-5, 2-2, 3-4, 4-1, 5-3
C. 1-7, 2-1, 3-2, 4-3, 5-3, 6-5, 7-4

28~]

Lesson 5
The body - A Complete/Whole Unit

Aims
On reading this lesson you will

• be able to describe the symptoms in case of any complaint/problem with the body.
• know that even if one organ has a problem, symptoms may be noticed in other parts

too.

• be able to give the names of the different systems of the body with their parts.

Knowledge

You will know about
• The condition of the organs of the body and their interrelationship
• Different systems with their units

Skill
You will learn
• The use of local language to inform common people


Use of local resources.



Use of local customs to attract people to attend.

Perspective

You will understand
• The body as a unit



Necessity for information about the body.

29~]

Introduction
Our body works as a unit. The digestive system absorbs food essential for the whole

body. The blood carries oxygen to all the parts. No organ or system is more important
than the rest (All are equally important!) All are interdependent. They work in coordination,
not competition. Therefore in case of any problem, its effect is seen on the whole body.

We will remain healthy only if the body works well.
It’s Friday today, Ayushi had informed Javed Chacha in the morning, about dissecting

a chicken during the women’s meeting. She was wondering, which tale to narrate.
By the time the women gathered in the afternoon, most people had come to know how

Ayushi had discussed the parts of the body by demonstration of the bird’s organs.
Ayushi said that she would recapitulate her conversation with the children briefly

1.

The body has a defence mechanism as follows:


The skin prevents the germs from entering the body.



The hair inside the nostrils prevent dirt and dust from entering the nose. The

fluid produced in the nose also obstructs dirt.


An acid produced by the stomach destroys germs.



A network of nerves (tiny branches connected to each other and to the brain

spread all over the body) gives us the sensations of heat/cold, pricking, burning
etc. from the environment and helps us react to our environment.



Our body defends itself very well. But many times we eat the wrong things
or our life style causes some problem in our body. Our body tells us that

something is wrong. The means used by the body to indicate a problem are
* Pain * Fever * Swelling, redness, lumps * extra production of secretions

* vomit * fast breathing * fatigue * palpitation * reduction or discontinuation
of the function of some organ * feeling sad, lack of will to work * not being

able to concentrate on anything etc.
When Javed Chacha cuts open the bird today, observe carefully where the

organs are located. Note the interrelationship between them. It is necessary
to know this in order to understand which other organs will be affected in case

of some problem in one part of the body.


For e.g. - patients of loose motions have a problem in their intestines which
occupy a lot of space, giving them the feeling that the stomach is aching



If germs attack the wind-pipe or lungs, the outer cover of the lungs is affected

causing pain in the chest

as a whole.

30



In case of appendicitis, the pain begins in the navel.



During menstruation, the covering along the wall of the uterus gets detached

and flows out. Cycles of female hormones cause this by contraction and ex­
pansion of the uterus. The female organs are located below the navel, pain
is felt in the lower back and thighs.



Blood circulates in the whole body. It carries food and oxygen to the cells.
It contains red cells which have iron in them. If the quantity of iron in the body

is reduced, we feel fatigue, palpitation and
cramps in the hands and feet. This illness

is called anaemia.


fl

During typhoid, germs reach the intestine

and grow there. So there are loose mo­
tions with pain. There is fever and sharp

headache. Many times lungs get infected.
Germs cause pneumonia which causes
pain in the chest.
Ayushi asked Javed Chacha to dissect the chicken

/’MI

in a way suitable to show the digestive and respiratory
tracts. He followed her instructions and showed the

women the organs. After this, Ayushi explained the
systems with the help of posters. Sunita asked the meaning of “system”. Ayushi explained

that when different organs coordinate to complete one process, the activity is called a "system”.
There are many different systems in our body. According to their function, they can
be classified as follows:1.

The system of movement
All the organs connected to movement e.g. - muscles, bones and joints together make

this system.
2.

Circulatory system
This consists of blood vessels, blood, heart and glands

3.

Digestive system
The digestive tract, organs and glands constitute the digestive system

4.

Respiratory system
Inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide involves the respiratory tract,

lungs, and alveoli form the respiratory system.
5.

Urinary system
All the organs formino urine and excretino it from this system.

31

6.

Nervous system

Collecting sensations from all parts of the body, sending commands according to

them and controlling the functions of the organs together, constitutes the

nervous system. This involves the brain, the spinal cord and the nerves.

7

Sensory system
Reviewing perceptions from the environment by the sense organs like, ear, nose,
eyes, skin and tongue is the sensory system .

8.

Endocrine system

This consists of glands located in different parts of the body to control different functions.

Then, Ayushi went on to explain that the systems are connected to each other although
they are independent.



The respiratory system obtains oxygen but the circulatory system carries it to
all parts of the body. Similarly the carbon dioxide produced by cells is carried
by blood to the respiratory organs which then throw it out.



The network of nerves receive the hot/cold sensation obtained by touching

and command us to move away from it. Thus they defend the muscles, skin
and bones etc.

Ayushi explained that in this way we have to look at the body as one whole unit. She
thought she would narrate the story of Vanadevi that day.

and goddesses in each area. In the same way, Vanadevi

(Goddess of the forests) is there to protect the forests

and we worship her. Long ago, all kings hunted wild

animals for sport. The goddess Vanadevi was pained
to see this. She requested Adishakti for protection of

wild animals. She said that if tiger strayed into human
civilization by mistake once in a while, she could tolerate

its killing for defence. But no animal should be killed

/

for game. If man destroyed tigers without reason, trees
would soon vanish. The water in the forest is safe due

to the presence of tigers. Otherwise, men would rush freely

into the forests and cut trees, grass and other creatures.
Bit by bit, the forests would disappear. Though she had the creative energy, forests cannot

be created as fast as man destroys them.

Adishakti remarked that man had become too proud to understand anything. She wanted
n - ?

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32

She decided to free man from the curse of not being able to recognize his inner voice.
She declared that man would have to work hard for a living. His efforts would give him
the vision of life and this would also bless him with strength.

Ayushi reminded everyone that we all are suffering today because we don’t look at
our bodies in totality. We must understand that whenever one part of a unit is affected,
the whole is disturbed in relation to it.

Summary
Our body has different systems in it. They are all interdependent. So a problem in one

organ affects the whole body. We should try to understand this inter relationship.

Self Assessment
a. Fill in the blanks
1. White blood cells destroy
2. Acid produced in the stomach kills
3. The pain of appendicitis starts
b.

What symptoms will suggest that there is some problem in the body?

c.

Give some examples of the defence mechanism of the body.

d.

Write the names of the organs of the different

e.

Describe an experience when you as a family member, suffered during illness
affecting the whole body and not just one part.

systems of the body.

I

33

Exercises
A. Fill in the blanks
1.

Our body

works like a

1. Unit
2.

There is

2. System

a relation of

in all our systems.

1. Coordination

3.

4. All the above.

3. Cell

2. Competition

3. Dependence

4. All the above

Appendicitis causes pain in the
1. Navel

2. Stomach

B. Fill in the blanks 1. Nervous system,

3. Abdomen

4. Small intestine

2. Circulatory system

1. The heart, blood vessels, blood and glands together form the
2. The spinal cord is a part of the.
C. Match the following

1. The nervous system

1. Skin

2. Sense organs

2. Perceiving sensations

3. Heart

3. Unit

4. Body

4. Circulatory System

5. Glands

5. Respiratory system

6. Lungs

6. Endocrine system

7. Green motions

7. Appendix

8. Pain at the navel

8. Typhoid

9. Pain

9. Pain below the navel

10. Menstruation

10. The expression of the body

34

Answers
A

1-1, 2-1, 3-1, 4-3

B

1-2, 2-1

C

1-2, 2-1, 3-4, 4-3, 5-6, 6-5, 7-8, 8-7, 9-10, 10-9

35

Lesson 6

Cell and Tissue

Aims
On reading this lesson you will understand

• Everything is created from live cells.
• Cells are self sufficient.

• When similar types of cells unite for a specific function it is called a tissue.

Knowledge
You will know about
• The smallest unit of a living being is known as a cell and similar types of cells come
together to form a tissue.

Skill
You will learn the

• Use of local resources to help children or villagers.
Perspective
You will understand

• Inspite of outward differences things in nature are basically similar.

I

I
36

Introduction
In the last chapter we saw that Ayushi describes the structures and systems of the body

briefly to the women. In this chapter we shall observe how she extends her discussion with
the children and informs them about different groups of cells.

Ayushi had asked the children to write the names of the organs of the different systems.
They handed her the lists.
Today she will discuss with the school children again. She saw the textbooks of class

six and seven. Then she thought that since they are familiar with the cells, they would be
benefited by adding to their information.
Ayushi reached the school. She carried some l&eaves and an onion with her. She dem­

onstrated the skin of the onion under a microscope to the children. They saw it looked
different through the microscope. Many tiny rectangles were seen in the peel. Ayushi also
showed them the leaves under its lens. Here too,

children observed little rectangles.
Ayushi told them that the tiny rectangles seen were
cells. These were the units of which all living beings are

formed.
Some organisms consists of a single cell. Among
these, the cell does all the functions of digestion,

production of energy, resistance and reproduction. Nature
first created single-celled beings and then multi-celled

organisms. If we consider the example of a factory or

business, in the beginning only one person does all the

tasks of production, marketing, accounting and cleaning
etc. More people are involved in the business as necessity
arises. Then there is division of labour. Some do the production work, some keep accounts,

some look after the cleaning and some selling etc. Multi-cellular living beings have a similar

arrangement.
The total work done by a single cell is managed by one organism. Therefore the work
is divided among cells. They are transformed according to function, leading to structural
differences.

Every cell consists of protoplasm, nucleus, mitochondria lysosome, along with golgi bod­
ies and endoplasmic reticulum. Every cell is self-sufficient.

37
1

I

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F

I
nucleus

goigi opporalus

<

chromotm
s
nucleor sop' nuclwr membrane ■

ground cytopiosr^
7?
f ■; ■

<..’ 5 I

^^‘S^mitQchondric

endopiosmk reticulum

cell .rembrohe

ribosomes

J
Nucleus / centre of the cell

Golgi Apparatus

Lysosome

Cytoplasm

Endoplasmic reticulum

Mitochondria

Ribosome

Cell membrane

The Parts of a cell
The following are the different parts of a cell
1. Cytoplasm, water, minerals, organic compounds (carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen) con­

stitute a cell.
2. New cells are created by division of chromosomes in the nucleus

3. Endoplasmic Reticulum - It absorbs proteins, digestive juices and other substances
which are sent to different parts of the cell.
4. Golgi Apparatus transform proteins and carbohydrates.

5. Lysosome breaks down waste products, often it can also destroy the cell itself.
6. Mitochondria - It creates energy in the cell.

7. Ribosomes - They recreate proteins.

We have already seen that structures of cells vary according to their functions. Thus

there are 4 main types of cells in our body.
1. Membranes
2. Nerves

3. Muscular/Fleshy cells
4. Connecting cells.

No cell can complete a particular function alone. Similar cells acting together are called

tissues. 4 types of cells form 4 kinds of tissues. Cells having the same structure and function
form a unit.

38

Particular tissue and their functions
Epithelial Tissue (Covering Tissue)- Our skin is formed of this tissue. Hollow/Empty spaces

are also covered with it. Its main function is defence.

1. Protects the inner parts of the body from injury.
2. Prevents the inner fluids of the body from oozing out.
3. Prevents absorption of outer liquids coming in contact with skin.
4. Prevents germs from entering. There is an inner tissue lining organs. This inner tissue

lining is named differently according to its location.

Mucous membrane (this produces a protective fluid). Mucous is found in the digestive,
respiratory and reproductive systems as well as in some organs.
-

Synovial membrane - This covers joints of bones. It creates the sinovial fluid. This prevents

friction in joints, making movement easy.
The children didn’t understand the meaning of friction. Ayushi explained to them that friction
is what makes it difficult for us to walk on sand. If we don’t oil our bicycle, friction obstructs

its smooth movement.

Serous Membrane - Some organs have a double lining. This becomes necessary because
they have to contract and expand. A serous fluid occupies the space between the two

layers. This membrane is found around the following organs; lungs, heart, some organs of
the alimentary canal lying below the chest but above the hips.

1.

When this membrane covers the lungs it is called Pleura.

2.

The membrane around the heart is called Pericardium.

3

The Peritoneum covers the organs of the digestive system.
Ayushi hinted that she would describe 3 more tissues next time, namely the muscular

tissue, the connective tissue and nervous tissue.

Your responsibility as health workers
1. Spread information among people.

2. Find out simple ways of giving information.
3. Remember that it must reach all classes of people
4.

Not to hesitate giving information thinking that it is difficult.

39

Summary
1. The one-ness of the body - A single cell performs all the functions carried out by

an organism. A minute part of the body conducts the same activities that are carried
out by the whole.
2. Nature has created the body very wisely. While hard bones protect the inner delicate

organs where ever necessary, other parts are left flexible and free for movement.
Thus the body is stable as well as flexible.

3. We have seen that there are many cells in the body. All cells carry out the basic
functions and transform themselves for particular activities.

Although we all are human beings, each one looks different and has different likes

and dislikes. Thus, we are similar but different. We must respect this diversity in

our lives too. Even if some people believe in different religions or belong to different
groups, we continue to share our unity as human beings.
4. Types of tissues

1. Epithelial Tissue
2. Muscle Tissue

3. Connective
4. Nerve Tissue

Self

Assessment

1. What are the different parts of the cell?
2. Name 4 types of tissues.
3. Give the functions of the Epithelial Tissue

4. Serous membrane is found in
5. Where is the Synovial membrane found

6. Name the location of mucous membranes
7. Give examples of unity in diversity in nature

40

Exercises
Choose the appropriate -

1.

The smallest part of our body is

1. Cell

2.

2. Tissue

3. Organ

4. Nerve

Proteins are recreated by the cell in the
1. Nucleus

2. Ribosome 3. Lysosome

4. Golgi body

A tissue is

3.

1. A group of cells

4.

2. Nucleus

3. Cell fluid

4. Ribosome

What is the function of Serus membrane?
1. Preventing friction between organs.
2. Producing protective fluid.
3. Help in contraction and expansion of organs

4. Prepare fluids.

Fill in the blanks
1 Synovial joint

2. Skin

is created by the epithelial tissue.

1)
2)

Synovial fluid is present in the dermis of the

Match the following
1. Serous Fluid

1. Prevention of friction in bones

2. Synovial fluid

2. Serous membrane

3. Pluera

3. Perciardium

4. Heart

4. Lungs

I

41

Answers
Correct alternatives

1-1, 2-2, 3-1, 4-1, 5-3, 6-3

Correct pairs
1-2, 2-1, 3-4, 4-3

42

Lesson 7

Joints and Fluid Tissues

Aims
On reading this lesson you will understand

• The parts and functions of cell

• The main 4 types of cells in our body
• he parts and functions of blood

Knowledge
You will know about

Parts and functions of cell.
Parts and functions of blood

The causes of Anaemia

How white blood cells protect the body

Skill
You

ill learn
• The symptoms of anaemia

• Simple methods of giving information to people

Perspective

You will understand
A single person cannot keep all available information
Information can be gathered as needed.

43

Introduction
In the last chapter, we studied the structure of the cell, its different parts and the types

of tissues. This chapter is about connective tissues. You might wonder whether all this

information is necessary.
Today, there is an explosion of information about every subject. No one can go through

all of it in one life. That's why it is rather difficult to decide how much information we need.
If we think that we should gather only as many details as is useful for our work, we

will be wrong. Many times we realise that the work we are doing is beyond our knowledge,
so we need a specialist. That’s why our information should not he limited according to our

functions but should also include areas that enable us to recognise the framework of our
duties, its references.

Today we will understand the function of blood
Blood

Today we shall discuss a fluid tissue called ‘Blood’. Like there are pipes for carrying
water, similarly the body has a blood circulation sytem. This system comprises blood vessels.

The blood seems to be in a thin liquid form when viewed, but it actually consists of three
types of cells, namely red blood corpuscles, white blood corpuscles and platelets, and the

thin liquid form is called plasma. All these combine to form blood.
Blood flows through our whole body. It consists of Red blood cells, white blood cells,

platelets and plasma.
Plasma
It occurs in the form a fluid. The blood cells and platelets float in it. It consists of water,

proteins and other nutrients.

Protein retains water in the blood cells. It maintains blood-pressure in the vessels. If

we are deficient in proteins, water oozes out of the vessels, causing swelling. Children lacking
protein have swellings but mothers think they are fat and healthy.

Platelets
They are shaped like discs. Platelets cause clotting whenever the body suffers a cut

or an injury by which blood starts flowing out of the vessel. The clot prevents the blood
from leaving the vessel

A

r

46

Answers
Match the pairs
1-2, 2-1, 3-3, 4-6, 5-4, 6-5

I

47

Lesson 8

The Circulatory System
Aims
On reading this lesson you will understand



The circulatory system.



Where and how to check the pulse.



The symptoms of ailments regarding circulation.



The lymphatic system



Obtaining information regarding the blood constituents.



Obtaining information about anaemia.



Ascertaining the reason, symptoms and treatment of anaemia.



Obtaining information regarding blood pressure.

Knowledge
You will know about



The structure and function of the circulatory system



Illnesses related to circulation and their symptoms.



The relationship between lymphatic and circulatory system.



The different constituents of blood.



The meaning of anaemia.



The importance of the function of white blood corpuscles.



The role of platelets in the control of blood flow.

Skill
You will learn and



Know how to check the pulse



Understand when to send a patient to the doctor after observing the symptoms.



The treatment of persons afflicted with anaemia.



The main causes of anaemia.

Perspective
You will understand that
Often lifestyle is the cause of illness.
Illness is not caused by ghosts or spirits, or magic or spells.

I
48

Introduction
In the previous chapter Ayushi gave information about the units of blood.

There was a death in the village that week. Kishorilal had died at the age of 40. The
whole village was in mourning.

The women gathered for the Friday meeting.
Ayushi: We have had a tragedy in the village. We all must try and help Kishorilal’s wife
and two children.

Nirmala Mausi: A woman who gave birth only to female children and also couldn’t keep
her husband alive doesn’t deserve any help.
Ayushi: Kishorilal died of a heart-attack.
Radha: The women’s

start some business.
Kusum Chachi: What exactly had happened to the man

who died.

Ayushi: Whenever there is bleeding, a person
experiences weakness. This is because he loses energy

through blood. Blood contains energy.
Savitri: The energy is given to blood by God since birth.

Shabana: Why energy tablets are required if Allah

provides energy.
Madhuri: When I take tablets during pregnancy,

she stopped suffering from fatigue.

Renuka: We can increase the energy of blood.
Ayushi: Right, you can increase the energy in

our blood. Please tell me what are these blue

lines on our arms and legs.
Urmila: These are blood vessels.
Ayushi explained that blood flows through vessels in the whole body. If it comes out,
Blood contains a yellow-coloured substance called ‘fibrinogen’ that is made of protein.

In case of damage to the blood vessel, this is converted into ‘fibrin’. The platelets
are caught in its strands and a clot is formed on the wall of the blood vessel. It prevents

further blood from flowing out.

49~]
it clots. This is a good example of how nature finds solutions for self-defence. If there is
bleeding, energy will be reduced. So the blood contains substances that prevent it from

flowing by clotting whenever the blood vessel is ruptured. Just as we prevent the flow of
water by raising a bund, the blood forms a 'bund' at the injured point. This stops blood

from flowing out.

Nirmala Chachi: You say blood has energy required for our work. Where is the source
of wanted to know the source of energy in our blood ?

Ayushi: Blood contains material that creates energy and not the energy itself. Blood carries

this material to the cells. Energy is produced inside the cells using it.
Nirmala Chachi: How does this material enter the blood ?
Ayushi: The food we eat is digested just as juice is extracted from sugarcane. Digestion

not only extracts juices and material from our food but also transforms it into suitable chemicals
through reactions.

Nirmala Chachi: What is the meaning of chemical reaction ?

Ayushi: What happens if you add lime juice to iodised salt ?
Shabana: It will turn blue.

Ayushi: Anew substance is created by a chemical reaction. This is different from ordinary

physical changes caused during freezing of water to ice or grinding something into powder.
A chemical change makes a change in the basic structure of the substance.

Nirmala Chachi: Is making pickle a chemical change ?
Ayushi: Yes, it is. Our food is changed both physically and chemically in the body. It moves

with the blood and is transported to all the cells in the body through the blood vessels.

This is called the circulatory system. It can be compared
with the water supply system of the village which provides

clean water to every home and drainage system which

carries away the waste water. Our blood behaves like
the water in the village pipe.

The parts of the circulatory system are
1. Heart

2. Blood Vessels

3. Blood

The position of the heart
1. Heart - It is shaped like a conical bag. It works like

a pump, so it is made of strong muscles. It is located

behind the breast bone within the chest between the two

w

50

lungs, one-third of it is on the right-side and two-thirds is on the left side. It is constantly
expanding and contracting.

Another division divides each part into 2 sections. Thus the heart has 4 sections.

1.

Right Atrium

(Right top portion)

2.

Right Ventricle

(Right lower area)

AORTA

PULMONARY ARTERY

PULMONARY VEINS

RT ATRIUM
TRICUSPID VALVE

INFERIOR VENA CAVA

3.

Left Atrium

(Left upper area)

4.

Left ventricle

(Left lower portion)

The Aorta arises from the left ventricle. Just as the main pipe line brings water to a

village and its branches and sub branches carry it to each road and every house, the arteries
and capillaries of the aorta carry blood to each cell.
While the Aorta is large in size the arteries are smaller. Capillaries are very fine.

While arteries carry pure blood, veins carry impure blood. Capillaries have porous walls.
Water, oxygen and food material passes through them into cells. Carbon dioxide and other
unwanted material from the cells enter the capillary from the cell. Just as the waste water

from each house flows into the gutter and then into the common drainpipe of the village,
the impure blood goes to Vena Cava. From there, it enters the right atrium. Then it is sent

to the lungs so that carbon dioxide is given out and oxygen is taken in. The oxygenated

blood comes into the left atrium though the Pulmonary veins, then from left ventricle into
the aorta which sends it to the rest of the body. This circulation continues constantly.

Just as we squeeze a bottle to squirt water, the sections of the heart transports the blood
intc

pryH

J

irf.' ' h' ly. - •

c

'

51

The blood has to return to the heart from the blood vessels. What do we do when we have
to fill a water pistol with water? We place the tip of the water pistol in a bucket of water
and press the lever and release it, due to which the pressure inside the pistol reduces

and the water enters the pistol. Similarly, the blood returns from the blood vessels into the
heart when the heart relaxes.

When the blood returns to the heart, the heart expands in the same way as we release
the handle of syringe slowly outside, increasing the inner size. The blood is then drawn

into it.
The upper section of the heart contracts first, to send the blood into the lower parts. When
the lower section, contracts, blood enters the blood vessel. To prevent it from going back to

the atrium there is a valve to control movement. If the valve is damaged, the flow can go backward.

This reverse movement can be heard with the help of a stethoscope.

Pericardium and Myocardium
The heart is covered with a double layer called pericardium. There is a fluid between
the two layers to prevent friction. The heart muscle is called myocardium, which is involuntary.

Blood Pressure
The pressure of the blood flowing through the vessels is called blood pressure. When
the blood enters arteries on contraction of the heart, it has a higher pressure which is called

‘systolic pressure’. The walls of smaller blood vessels are muscular and have their own
pressure.
This pressure which prevents the blood from going out of the vessel is called ‘diastolic

pressure’. Normal blood pressure is 120/80 mm Hg. It can differ according to age.
Less than standard pressure (90/60 mm mercury/Hg) or more (140-90 mm mercury/Hg)

can be a symptom of illness.
Factors affecting blood pressure-

i)

Heart Rate - Normally the heart beats 60-90 times per minute.

H)

Volume of blood- We have about 5-6 litres of blood in our body. Whenever there

is bleeding inside or outside the body the volume and pressure of blood is

decreased.
iii)

Size of blood vessels - Many times cholesterol present in the blood sticks to
the walls, thereby reducing the size of the vessels. This compressed size in

creases the blood pressure:
iv)

Consuming excess of salt makes the body retain more water in it. This in turn

Tm- HQ

11381

52

Pulse - When the heart contracts, blood goes out
of the heart with greater pressure. This pressure is

transferred to the arteries. When an artery passes over
a bone or below the skin, we can feel the sensation

of pressure by touching it. This wave of pressure is
called pulse.

The pulse can be checked as follows The index finger, middle finger and ring finger are

to be used. The first one gives pressure to the blood vessel, the second one senses the

pressure thus increased behind it, as the blood tries to rush ahead. The third one allows
it to go forward. The thumb and the little finger are not used.

The pressure wave is measured for a period of one minute. The normal heart rate
ranges from 60 to 90 times per minute and so the pulse rate will also be the same. A

faster or slower pulse rate indicates illness. This rate changes according to age.

1. Infants - about 140/m
2. 1 year old - 120/m
3. 1- 2 years - 110/m

4. 2- 5 years - 96-100/m
5. 6-10 years - 80-90/m
6. Adults - 60-90/m

Bleeding
If an artery is ruptured, pressure will cause the blood to flow out fast and with force.
It doesn’t come out continuously, but in spurts. When the heart contracts, it flows out with

force. If the Vena Cava is cut, it will bleed continuously with low pressure and less speed.
In this case we should press the injured point with a clean cloth.

But if an artery is bleeding, we should press the area just above the injured point to

stop the flow. It is necessary to seek medical aid in case of haemorrhage of artery.

Coronary Artery
There are two coronary arteries supplying blood to the muscles of the heart- the left
and the right coronary artery. If one of these or their branches get obstructed, the blood

will not be able to reach that part of the heart. Consequently that part will be deprived of
oxygen and food and will start getting damaged. The working of the heart will be affected.

If a large area of the heart doesn't receive oxygen, the person may even die. This kind

53

of a death is called a heart - attack. Often the left coronary artery gets obstructed.
Ayushi concluded that Kishorilal had suffered the same illness. (Heart attack)
Nirmala Chachi asked why heart attacks occur? Ayushi explained that it is due to the coronary

artery getting obstructed. As mentioned before, cholesterol found in fats often gets deposited
along the inner lining of blood vessels. Other reasons are smoking, sedentary life style or
excessive consumption of fatty food. All these can cause a heart attack.

Blood
It consists of 2 parts

(a) Blood cells (b) Plasma

Their components are a. Blood cells - Red blood corpuscles b. White blood corpuscles c. platelets or thrombocytes
b. Plasma

Water, proteins and Sun, nutritious and chemical factors

Red Blood Cells

The capacity of blood cells to carry oxygen from the lungs to the arteries depends on
the haemoglobin. 1 c.c. of blood contains 45 lakh blood cells among women and 50 lakh

among men. One-eleventh of our weight is blood. A 70 kg man has about 6 litres of blood.

Blood is produced in the bone marrow of skill bones, back-bone and long bones. Its

4 stages are megaloblast, erythroblast, normoblast and reticulocyte. Where there is less
air, there is stimulation to produce more blood cells. When their term expires they are destroyed
and an equal quantity is created. It is normal to have 15% haemoglobin and reduced quantity

suggests anaemia and is observed by the lack of redness. These symptoms can be tested
to know the exact quantity.

White Blood Cell
There are 6,000 to 10,000 WBC or leucocytes in 1cc of blood. They are of 2 kinds.

Agronulocytes and granulocytes
WBC combat bacteria. They may change their shapes or locations to attack them even
outside the blood vessels. If a swelling around a wound is observed through the microscope,

15 to 20 bacteria can be seen in a single WBC. The no. of WBC can also be found out

by the blood test. During fever they may rise above 8,000 though there is no external symptom

If they start multiplying excessively in their primary stage itself, it can be fatal leucomia or
cancer. Some painkillers like analgin can lead to destruction of WBC causing agranulo-

I
54

cytosis. During pneumonia or typhoid WBC get reduced causing a condition called leucopania.

If some foreign body enters our body, that portion produces a greater amount of fluid,
the organ swells up and appears reddish. This is our natural way of resisting infection.

More secretion is produced there. This is known as inflammation. Less oxygen will be
absorbed if there is a swelling or inflammation. Less energy will be generated and the person

will feel more tired than usual.

We can ascertain the haemoglobin content of a person and diagnose whether he has
anaemia through blood tests, similarly diseases can also be diagnosed through blood and

blood cell tests. Sometimes, there are no external symptoms even if a person has fever,

n such a case the white blood corpuscle count will be high (more than 8,000 cubic mg)
f there is a microbial infection.
Platelets

They control blood flow after injury by clotting.

Lymphatic System
This consists of the lymph glands, lymph vessels and spleen. Cells have fluids all around.

It enters tiny vessels called lymph vessels. They carry the lymph to lymph glands. From there
it is carried to larger vessels. The Thoracic duct is the largest lymph vessel. It is connected
to the superior Vena Cava. From there, the lymph goes to the heart and forms a part of

the circulatory system. Lymph glands are scattered all over the body.

Lymph glands prevent germs from spreading in the body. The germs are trapped in
the glands. So many times, a wound to one’s finger leads to a swelling in the arm-pit or

a leg injury causes a swelling near the groins.
The spleen is to the left rear of the stomach. Its functions are 1. Disintegration of old blood cells.
2. Producing antibodies to destroy germs
3. The spleen cells engulf germs

The Lymphatic system and Circulatory system are inter related.

After giving the information, it was story time. Pandu was the father of the Pandavs.

He had two queens Kunti and Madri. He was brave and loved hunting.
Once he went to the forest. He sent an arrow in the direction of a sound. It hit a Pishi

when he was with his wife. He cursed Pandu that he would die the moment he touched
hr wife Pandu got disturbed He lost h< --rpetite. He

sleepless nights and got ?:ed

55

easily. His face turned pale. He had get anaemia. The

illness got its name related to him as “Pandu Rog’
(Anaemia) i. e. the illness which Pandu had. He lived

in the forest with his wives and sons.
One day he happened to touch Madri. The next
instant he died. Madri felt guilty and insisted upon

giving up her life as ‘Sati’, with her dead husband.
People held her responsible for his death, but is it

right?
Kunti tried to dissuade her but Madri remained
determined to finish herself.

Kunti treated Madri’s children with the same care
as she did her own. It is a good example of women
having strong ties with each other.

Criticizing without knowing the cause of anyone’s illness is wrong.

Summary
1.

Blood carries food and oxygen to all parts of the body. It takes waste materials formed

in the cells and carbon dioxide to the excretory organs which are lungs, skin and kidney.
2.

The heart and blood vessels together carry out circulation.

3.

Certain habits like smoking, chewing tobacco, over eating, lack of exercise, can often
be responsible for causing heart attack.

4. If you do not understand any unnatural symptoms you should take the patient to the
doctor.

Your role as a health worker
1.

If you notice any abnormality in the pulse rate or blood pressure of your patient,
you should send him/her to the doctor.

2.

Check the blood pressure of people above forty regularly.

3.

Inform people about illnesses related to the heart and circulatory system.

4.

Tell people to abstain from smoking. Explain the ill-effects of consuming excess
of salt.

5

Describe the imoorfance of physical exercise to people

56

Self Assessment
per minute

1.

The normal pulse rate of adults is

2.

The normal blood pressure of adults is

3.

List the symptoms of heart attack.

4.

Give the reasons for High blood pressure.

5.

What is the difference between the bleeding of Aorta and Vena Cava? Explain
how to treat them

6.

Describe the circulation of blood.

7.

The reason why a cut to the finger leads to a swelling in the arm pit.

mm Hg.

Exercises
Choose correct alternative

1. What is the life of a blood cell?
1. 100
2. 110
3. 150
4. 125 (Days)
Fill in the blanks

1. Disintegration of old blood cells 2. Producing antibiotics 3. Destruction of germs

4. Heart, blood vessels. 5. Like a cone 6. Pump 7. Septum 8. Right 9. Red Blood

cells 10. Pure 11. 120/80 mm Hg 12. Impure 13. 60-90 m 14. Blood cells , Plasma
15. 5-6 litres, 16. Haemoglobin 17. Haemoglobin 18. Blood cells

are the organs of circulatory system.

1.
2.

The shape of the heart is.

3.

The heart works like a

4.

The

5.

The Vena Cava carries

6.

Our body contains

blood.

7.

The aorta carries

blood.

section of the heart receives impure blood.
blood.

57

8.

The normal heart rate is

9.

The normal Blood pressure is

10.

The function of the spleen is

11.

constitute blood.

and

12.

Carrying O2 from lungs to arteries is the function of

13.

The capacity to carry O2 depends on.

14.

Blood is red due to

15.

The body contains

blood.

Match the pairs

1.

Kidney

1. Abdominal swelling

2.

Heart

2. Blood circulation

3.

Ascites

3. Excretory system.

4.

Sickle cell anaemia

4. Sickle shaped RBC

5.

Pure blood

5. Boold containing CO 2

6.

Impure blood

6. Oxygenated blood

7.

WBC

7. Haemoglobin

8.

RBC

8. Protection against infection

9.

Platelets

9. Help to stop blood flow

58

Answers
Fill in the blanks

14, 2-5, 3-6, 4-8, 5-12,
6-11, 7-15, 8-10, 9-13,
11-14,12-9, 13-16, 14-17,15-15.
Match the pairs
1-3,
2-2,
3-1,

4-4,

5-6,

6-5,

7-8,

8-7,

9-9.

10-1,

59]

Lesson 9

The Digestive System

Aims
On reading this lesson you will understand and



Name the organs of the digestive system



Explain the functions of the glands related to the digestive system.

Knowledge

You will know about


The process of digestion



understand the chemical and physical reactions.

Skill
You will learn


How through digestive system ingested food reaches upto the cells ?

Perspective

You will understand
• The relationship between one’s mind and the digestion of one’s food.



How certain serious illnesses are connected with the digestive system?

60

Introduction
In this chapter we will learn about digestion. We will follow what happens to the food

we eat and how the juices / extracts of our food reach the cells. We will know the organs
of the digestive system with their functions.
Ayushi told the school children that they would revise the organs shown by Javed Chacha
earlier to them. They wrote the names on the black board.

Salivary gland

Food Pipe
(Oesophagus)

Liver

Stomach

Pancreas
- Large Intestine
Small intestine

. ..... Rectum

Anus

Organs of Digestive System
The Alimentary Canal
Mouth

Food Pipe
Stomach

Small Intestine

Large Intestine
Rectum

Anus
Glands
Salivary Gland

Liver

I
I

61

Gall Bladder

Pancreas
Helping Organs

Teeth

Tongue
All of you know the organs of the digestive system. So first let us understand about
the Glands. What is their function? To produce a fluid and carry it upto the organ for which

it is created, by a duct. Some glands are ductless and transport secretions through blood.
They are called endocrine glands. Glands having ducts are called exocrine glands.

The Glands related to digestion are exocrine. They all carry their secretions by ducts
to specific points and are important.

Cells can absorb only glucose, amino acids and fatty acids. Exocrine glands help in
the breaking up of complex compounds from our food.

Carbohydrates - Wheat, bajra, rice, potatoes
Proteins - Lentils, beans, fish, meat.
Fats - Oil, ghee etc.

The chemical reaction begins in the mouth. The saliva helps in digestion of carbo-hydrates.

The food pipe is behind the wind-pipe. The muscles of the stomach are very strong and
churn the food after it reaches there, till it becomes fine and liquid. The stomach produces

an acid which destroys germs that the food contains. The stomach is below the left ribs
of the chest. If excess of acid is produced there, the stomach gets inflammed, becomes

reddish and causes pain.

This condition is called gastritis. It may be caused by consuming excess of spices, drinking,

smoking, mental stress or taking pain-killers. The symptoms are pain in the upper abdomen,
vomiting and indigestion.
Indigestion - There are various conditions for Indigestion or Acidity like Bloated feeling,
gases, nausea, sour belches etc. These symptoms can be observed among pregnant women,

people with loose motions or excessive smokers, obese people or those with mental stress.

This condition may be created by consuming cabbage, apples, onions, cucumbers, cold­
drinks or alcohol. These should be avoided. If the indications or complaints persist, medical

help is necessary.

The small intestine looks like letter ‘C’ from the stomach which then coils like a snake
Its ‘C shaped part receives secretions from the liver and pancreas.

62

The liver is like a factory. Bile produced by it collects in the gall bladder which sends
it-into the intestine by a duct. It digests fatty foods.
The pancreas creates different types of digestive secretions, which digest carbohydrates
and proteins. The digestion is completed in the small intestine. The Vena Cava has a network

of capillaries and veins in the small intestine. It absorbs the digested food material.
The Water and the undigested food matter goes into the large intestine. Water and minerals

are absorbed here. The remaining useless material is excreted.

If you drink less water, it will be difficult to give out the solid waste. So you should drink
8 to 10 glasses of water everyday. Also, you should eat sufficient fibrous foods like vegetables

and fruits. Fibres also help in pushing out the excreta just as sandy soil helps to push

clay soil out of a rubber tube.
The food remains in the digestive tract for about 24 hours. It is pushed forward, gravitation

helps its downward movement. The movement to pass food downward is called “peristalsis”.
There is contraction and relaxation along this tract. When the upper part is compressed,
the lower one is expanded so that food from above goes below. Later the alternate parts

repeat the procedure and food proceeds in the downward direction like a wave. This peristaltic
sound of the intestine can be heard on the stethoscope.
If we don’t consume sufficient water and fibrous food, the waste products create high

pressure on the edge of the anus. This causes some capillaries to swell and emerge from
the opening end. This condition is called ‘piles’. If food is chewed well till it becomes fine,
it is easy to give it out otherwise the digestion will be difficult.

Eating excess of spices or chillies can destroy the cells along the walls of the intestines.

This can cause ulcers.

Worry leads to improper chewing which again obstructs proper digestion. That is why
we should be calm when we eat and pay attention to our food.

Stomatitis
If your mouth suffers from ulcers, the cause may be tobacco, alcohol, spicy or pungent

fooid, deficiency of nutrients like B complex and iron, infection or due to sharp teeth. One
should apply Gentian Violet for this.

Gall Stones
Sometimes the bile juice forms stones. These cause sharp pain, fever, vomiting es­

pecially after eating fatty food. The pain spreads upto the right shoulder.

63

Stones in the Pancreas
Excessive drinking of alcohol may cause stones inside the pancreas. The symptoms
are great pain in the middle of the abdomen. This is experienced after heavy meals or

drinking alcohol. The pain spreads at the back, upto the waist. It is accompanied by vomiting,

fever and chest pain. Two other important indications are turning blue of the area around
the navel and waist. This condition needs medical attention.

Functions of the liver
1. Storing of different vitamins and nutrients to be released into the blood from time
to time.

2. Processing of toxic material in the blood to be given out with food waste.
3. Production of vitamin “K” required for clotting of blood.

Cirrhosis
This is a serious illness of the liver in which its functions are reduced drastically. The
main cause is alcoholism. The symptoms are lack of appetite, loss of weight, rest­

lessness, vomiting, fatigue, indigestion, swelling of abdomen, jaundice. In advanced

stages, reduction of blood clotting capacity causes blueness of injured parts. There
is trembling of limbs and blood in vomiting. Other indications are discontinuation of
menstruation among women or infertility.
A

- This ailment is more common among women, specially obese women or those

who have indigestion. It may occur around the age of 50.
B

- Murphy’s indication - The patient is made to lie or sit down. Some pressure

is exerted by the hand below the right ribs as the patient is asked to take a

deep breath. If the pain is felt while breathing, it is Murphy’s indication of gall

stones. Often stools are white in this condition.
Summary

1. Complex chemical compounds, are transformed into glucose, amino acids and fatty
acids. Cells can absorb these (latter) materials.

2. The diet should be simple and fibrous.
3. One should drink 8-10 glasses of water everyday.

64

Self Assessment
Fill in the blanks

I.

1. The function of acid produced by the stomach is
a.

b)

2. The bile digests
3. Ptyalin acts on

I Describe briefly

1. Pancreas
2. Liver and gall bladder
3. Stomach

HI Give the symptoms of the following disorders.

1. Loose motions

2. Piles

3. Gall stones

4. Ulcer

5. Cirrhosis

IV Explain the meaning of ‘exocrine glands’ and name them.
V Describe how the food is absorbed and reaches the Liver.

Exercises
1.

These are the organs of the digestive tract
a. Mouth, food pipe, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, rectum, anus.

b. Mouth, nose, throat, stomach, intestine, anus.
c. Mouth, windpipe, oesophagus, intestine, anus

d. Mouth, wind-pipe, liver, anus
2.

This gland is a part of digestive system
a. Tonsil
b. Pancreas
c. Lung
d. Stomach

65

3.

Pain in the upper area of the stomach with vomiting and indigestion is a symptom

of a Gastritis
b. Stomatitis
c. Cirrhosis
d. Ulcer

4.

Excessive consumption of pungent or spicy food may damage this organa. Stomach
b. Small intestine
c. Pancreas
d. Liver

5.

A person suffering from unbearable pain after eating, with vomiting and pain spread­
ing upto the right shoulder may be an indication of
a. Cirrhosis
b. Gall stones
c. Stones in the Pancreas
d. Appendicitis

6.

If an alcoholic suffers from lack of appetite, fatigue, indigestion and enlarged
abdomen, this may be an indication of a. Cirrhosis
b. Gall stones
c. Appendix
d. Stone in Pancreas

Fill in the blanks
1. Carbohydrate / protein

2. Liver

3. Bile & Pancreatic

4. Acid

5. Fatty Acid

6. Amino acid

7. Physical

8. Chemical

9. Endocrine

10. Exocrine

1.

Glands that transport their secretions to organs through blood are called
glands.

2.

glands help in digestion.

3.

Breaking up of food into small pieces/bits for digestion is a

4.

Converting carbohydrates into glucose is a

5

Proteins are converted to

6.

Fatty foods are broken up into

change.
change.

|~66

I
7.

The stomach has

in it to destroy.
and
are secretions that help in digestion.

8
9.

Bile is produced in the

10.

Pancreatic secretion digests

and

Match the following pairs.
1. Stomach

1. Fatty acid

2. Fatty food

2. Gastritis

3. Peristalsis

3. Gall stones

4. Vitamin K

4. Pushing the food in the alimentary canal

5. White stools

5. Liver

ID
Answers to exercises
Correct alternatives :
1-q, 2-b, 3-a,
4-a,

5-b, 6-a

Blanks
1-9, 2-10, 3-7,

4-8,

Correct pairs
1-2, 2-1, 3-4, 4-5, 5-3

5-6,

6-5,

7-4,

8-3,

9-2,

10-1

|~~68

Lesson 10
Introduction to the Respiratory System

Aims
On reading this lesson you will be able to understand

• List the organs of the respiratory system in their order.
• Tell which chemical action goes on inside the cell and which substances are produced.
• Explain our relationship with plants.
• Describe the connection between pollution and the direction of development.
• Give the reasons causing disorders of the respiratory system.

Knowledge
You will know about


The structure and function of the respiratory system.




Cellular respiration.
Describe the condition in case of inflammation of different parts of the respiratory
system.

Perspective

You will understand


The significance of the respiratory system and its functions.

I

69

Introduction

We all know the differences between the living and non-living. Living beings can produce

energy for their own development as well as to grow grains, run industries, for welfare activities
and even for destructive purposes. But the body cannot create energy without oxygen (O2)

We take oxygen from the atmosphere to produce energy. During this production of energy,
carbon dioxide (CO2) is also produced, which is given out into the atmosphere. Plants
use this CO2 and sunlight to prepare their own food. The O2 created during their production

of food is released into the atmosphere. We use this to create our energy. In this way we

have a very close-knit relationship with the plants and atmosphere. Though this cannot be
seen, we will be unable to survive if it breaks down.

We worship plants. Because our forefathers have been giving importance to this re­

lationship since time immemorial . The Tulsi, Banyan and Peepal plants are connected to
our rituals. We offer particular leaves and fruits to various gods and goddesses. Human
beings are used to caring for plants in nature. But today we have forgotten this relationship

due to our rat-race of development. Today our idea of progress is limited to sky-scrapers,

industries, roads, vehicles and money. We are destroying nature while increasing all these
things. We have neglected an important cultural value of ‘live and let live’ . Gandhiji had

taken this value further by using not just ‘live and let others live’ but adding ‘and help others
to live’, to it.
Unfortunately modern man lives like a master of nature. He is destroying plants and

animals that have been living on the earth even before mankind! If this damage continues,

our destruction is inevetable.
Constructing new roads, buildings, factories and vehicles has polluted, even our air, water
and food. We cannot live without food beyond a few months, without water for a few days
but without air just a few minutes! New born babies and infants are being forced to breathe

in polluted air. We will realize the significance of clean and pure air only if we understood
how we use this air to produce energy.

Our body is multi-cellular. A cell of the body is like the brick of a building - the smallest
unit. We need energy to create the cell, its growth, its production of internal secretions and

maintaining the body temperature. The cell conducts the burning of food material and oxygen
to produce energy.

Blood carries oxygen and food material to each cell and take away the C02 to the

lungs and waste products to the rectum.
If polluted air enters the respiratory system, the respiratory organs are damaged This

70

reduces the amount of oxygen in the air.

The Respiratory System
Let us find out about our respiration. It begins with the nose. The tiny hair inside the

nostrils filter the dust from the air. The fluid in the nose makes the air moist and prevents
germs and dirt from passing through.
Through the nose, the air enters our pharynx. The

tonsil glands are present on either side of the inner part
of the tongue. They protect us from being attacked by
germs. They produce white blood cells. The tonsils are

our main weapons of resistance due to them the germs
don’t attack the organs. We can feel them if we touch

the outer area of our throat. If they are not working prop­

erly, the germs may reach the lungs which are delicate
organs.

Tonsils

The adenoid glands are situated behind the nose.
The air enters the wind-pipe, also calls trachea. It is situated in the neck in front of oesopha­
gus. It is made of strong flexible muscles which are not compressed by slight pressure

applied outside it.
At the second rib, the trachea is divided into two parts - right and left bronchus which
enter the lungs on either side. Each bronchus is divided into smaller branches called bronchioles.

The lungs consist of tiny sacs called alveoli which contain air. Fine capillaries have a network

around them. There is a continuous give and take action
here. Oxygen from the air is exchanged with carbon­
dioxide from the blood. The oxygen is carried to every

cell by the blood, while the CO2 is given out through the
respiratory tract. Oxygen reaches cells through blood.

Right since birth, the lungs of a person have to con­
tinuously expand and contract to continue the exchange

of gases. Therefore lungs need pure air to remain fit.
The lungs have a double layered cover called pleura which

contains a fluid to prevent friction.

a

71

Atmosphere

T Nose

► O2

1

t Pharynx
1
T Trachea
1
t I
Bronchus
t Bronchiole
i

T Alveoli
t

i

Whole body (CO )—► 4— Blood
2

The Breathing Action

To breathe in, our chest expands, the lungs and their covers also expanc The atmospheric
pressure is high and air is drawn into the body. When the lungs contract, the inside air

rushes out into the atmosphere.
The respiratory tract has an inner covering called mucus membrane which produces
a fluid to moisten the air. Dust and germs are also trapped in it, to be th-rwn out through
the nose. This is one of the way of protection.

Reasons for inflammation

1.

Germs

2.

Dust

3.

Pollen

4.

Chemicals

Inflammation caused by germs

1. Virus
2. Bacteria
3. Worms
Our body has a structure which is always equipped to fight illness. Gems reach many

people through air but all of them don’t fall ill, when the body is healthy, he resistance is
also good.

I
72
In our country, is it possible for all the people to fulfil the above conditions?

As health workers, it is our long-term goal to provide all these things to people along

with education. But in the meanwhile people should be told how to save themselves from
falling ill Let’s refer to some tips regarding keeping a healthy respiratory system.
Balanced diet

Use of smokeless stove at home.
Proper ventilation in the house (doors, windows, facing each other)

Doing ‘pranayama’ exercise.

Keeping some indoor plants especially in the kitchen, to reduce pollution
Lesser intake of spicy and pungent food.
Ensure that industries like stone-crushing, brick-kilns or those involving pollutants

Conditions to keep the body healthy

1

Sufficient nutritive diet

2 Living in clean, fresh air
3

Doing regular exercise

4. Working regularly
5. Staying in a stress-free atmosphere, and enjoying some means of entertainment.

Exercises
Correct Alternatives

1)

Which gas is needed for breathing

1. Hydrogen

2)

4. CO2

2. Water

3. Air

4. CO2

The smallest unit of our body is
1. Cell

4)

3. 0 2

What do we need most to remain alive?
1. Food

3)

2. Nitrogen

2. Tissue

3. Organ

4. Blood

Burning is conducted inside this

1. Cell

2 Blood

3. Heart

4 Lung

73

5)

6)

The organs of the respiratory system are

1.

Nose, mouth, trachea , alveoli

2.

Nose, pharynx, trachea, bronchioles lung

3.
4.

Nose bronchus, lung

Nose, mouth lung

Functions of tonsils

1. Helping to swallow food
2. Producing white blood cells
3. Producing white blood cells, resisting infections
4. All the above
7)

The task of carrying oxygen and food to all cells, waste after burning, to the kidney,
and CO2 to the lungs is carried out by

1. Blood

8)

2. Cells

3.

Heart 4. Respiratory system

While breathing

1. Oxygen

is absorbed and C02 is exhaled

2. CO2 is taken in and Nitrogen is given out
3. Oxygen is taken in and Nitrogen is given out

9)

Meaning of inflammation
1. Pain in an organ
2. Swelling
3. Fever

4. Swelling, turning red and painful due to infection

Fill in the blanks
(inflammation, pleuritis, tonsil, resistance, pleura )
1. The covering of the lungs is called

2. Swelling, redness, pain and excess secretion in a part is called
3.
helps to fight illness.
4. In the respiratory system,
helps to resist infection of germs
5. Inflammation of the outer layer of lungs is called

I
74

Match the following
1. Bronchitis

1. Inflammation of bronchus

2. Oxygen

2. Inflammation of pharynx

3. Carbon dioxide

3. Planting trees

4 Polluted air

4. Necessary for plants

75

Answers
Correct Alternatives

1-3,

2-3,

3-1,

4-1,

5-2,

4-3,

5-2

Fill in the blanks

1-5,

2-1,

3-4,

Match the following
1-2,
2-3,
3-4,
4-5

6-3,

7-1,

8-1,

9-4

76

Key
Glossary
Tonsils :

Two glands occurring in the pharynx. Prevents germs entering through nose.

.1
Gland :

A delicate soft organ that produces secretions.

Signs :

Information obtained by health worker that is useful for diagnosis by examination.

Symptoms

Information about the patient’s complaints
Diagnosis is made with signs and symptoms

Fibrosis .

Disorder caused by production of fibrous tissue in an organ

Diphtheria:

An infectious disease causing a layer along the pharynx and its glands.

Inflammation :
Redness or swelling of a part of the body along with fever.

Stomach

Organ containing gastric juices

Stomatitis

Cuts inside the mouth

Appendix

A part in the digestive tract

Appendicitis

Inflammation of appendix

Valve

A structure controlling one-way flowing of blood

Aorta

A blood vessel

Ventricle

A cavity inside the heart

Atrium

Cavity inside the heart

Gall bladder

An organ below the liver storing bile juice.

Pancreas

An organ secreting digestive juices

Gastritis

Inflammation of mucous membrane of the stomach

)

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