Lesson 6. Human Physiology, Health, and Diseases
Within General Science, human biology is a consistent high-yield area. A systematic study of major organ systems is required: Nervous (brain parts, reflexes), Circulatory (heart, blood vessels, blood composition), Digestive (enzymes, process of digestion), Respiratory (mechanism, gaseous exchange), Excretory (kidney function), and Reproductive systems. This knowledge is then applied to understand major diseases: communicable (COVID-19, TB, Malaria, Hepatitis, HIV/AIDS) and non-communicable (Diabetes, Cardiovascular diseases, Cancer). Focus on their causes (pathogen type for communicable, lifestyle for NCDs), symptoms, prevention, and treatment. Nutrition is a key sub-topic—macro and micronutrients, deficiency diseases (like anemia, goiter, scurvy), and government programs (Food Fortification, POSHAN Abhiyaan) that address them. Recent trends include questions on genetic disorders and mental health.
Additional Resources: NCERT Biology textbooks from Class VIII to XII provide excellent foundational material. For current health issues, the World Health Organization (WHO) website and its reports (e.g., Global Tuberculosis Report) are key. India’s National Health Portal and journals like ‘Science’ and ‘Nature’ briefs help stay updated on breakthrough medical research relevant to public health.