Notes For All Chapters – General Science Class 8
1. Introduction
- The human body is made of different systems that work together to keep us alive.
 - The circulatory system and respiratory system are important for transporting oxygen and nutrients.
 - The excretory system helps remove waste from the body.
 
2. Circulatory System
(A) What is the Circulatory System?
- The circulatory system transports blood, oxygen, nutrients, and waste throughout the body.
 - It consists of the heart, blood, and blood vessels (arteries, veins, and capillaries).
 
(B) Structure of the Heart
The heart is a muscular organ located in the chest.
It has four chambers:
- Right atrium – Receives oxygen-poor blood.
 - Right ventricle – Pumps oxygen-poor blood to the lungs.
 - Left atrium – Receives oxygen-rich blood from the lungs.
 - Left ventricle – Pumps oxygen-rich blood to the body.
 
(C) Types of Blood Vessels
| Blood Vessel | Function | 
|---|---|
| Arteries | Carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the body. | 
| Veins | Carry oxygen-poor blood back to the heart. | 
| Capillaries | Connect arteries and veins, allowing exchange of oxygen and nutrients. | 
3. Human Blood
(A) Components of Blood
| Component | Function | 
|---|---|
| Plasma | Liquid part of blood that carries nutrients and waste. | 
| Red Blood Cells (RBCs) | Transport oxygen to body cells using hemoglobin. | 
| White Blood Cells (WBCs) | Protect the body by fighting infections. | 
| Platelets | Help in blood clotting to stop bleeding. | 
(B) Functions of Blood
- Transports oxygen and nutrients to cells.
 - Carries waste products to the kidneys and lungs.
 - Fights infections through WBCs.
 - Regulates body temperature and helps in blood clotting.
 
4. Respiratory System
(A) What is the Respiratory System?
- The respiratory system helps in breathing (inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide).
 - The main organs are the nose, windpipe (trachea), lungs, and diaphragm.
 
(B) Process of Respiration
- Inhalation (Breathing in) – The diaphragm moves down, and oxygen enters the lungs.
 - Exchange of Gases – Oxygen passes from the lungs into the blood, and carbon dioxide moves into the lungs.
 - Exhalation (Breathing out) – The diaphragm moves up, pushing carbon dioxide out of the lungs.
 
(C) Types of Respiration
| Type | Definition | 
|---|---|
| External Respiration | Exchange of gases between the lungs and blood. | 
| Internal Respiration | Exchange of gases between blood and body cells. | 
5. Excretory System
(A) What is the Excretory System?
- The excretory system removes waste from the body.
 - The main organ of excretion is the kidney, which filters blood and produces urine.
 
(B) Organs of the Excretory System
| Organ | Function | 
|---|---|
| Kidneys | Filter blood and remove waste as urine. | 
| Ureter | Carries urine from kidneys to the bladder. | 
| Urinary Bladder | Stores urine until it is removed from the body. | 
| Urethra | Releases urine from the body. | 
6. Blood Groups and Blood Donation
(A) Blood Groups
- Humans have four main blood groups: A, B, AB, and O.
 - Blood groups are based on the presence of antigens (proteins) in red blood cells.
 
(B) Universal Donor and Recipient
| Blood Group | Can Donate To | Can Receive From | 
|---|---|---|
| O-negative | All blood groups (Universal Donor) | Only O-negative | 
| AB-positive | Only AB-positive | All blood groups (Universal Recipient) | 
(C) Importance of Blood Donation
- Saves lives during accidents, surgeries, and diseases like anemia.
 - Hospitals always need fresh blood for emergencies.
 - A healthy person can donate blood every 3 months without harm.
 
(D) Health Parameters for Blood Donation
- Age: 18-65 years
 - Weight: Above 50 kg
 - Hemoglobin Level: At least 12.5 g/dL
 - No recent illness, infections, or chronic diseases
 
7. Health and Heart Diseases
(A) Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Caused by: Excess salt, stress, lack of exercise, and unhealthy food.
 - Effects: Can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease.
 - Prevention: Eat less salt, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking.
 
(B) How to Keep the Heart Healthy?
- Eat a balanced diet (less fat and salt).
 - Exercise daily for good blood circulation.
 - Avoid smoking and alcohol to prevent heart damage.
 - Manage stress and get regular checkups.
 
8. Functional Relation Between Body Systems
| System | Relation with Circulatory System | 
|---|---|
| Respiratory System | Provides oxygen to blood and removes carbon dioxide. | 
| Digestive System | Provides nutrients that blood carries to body cells. | 
| Excretory System | Removes waste materials carried by the blood. | 

Leave a Reply