ICSE Class 8 Biology, Unit 4: Human Body – Endocrine, Circulatory and Nervous

What this unit aims at

Systems This theme focuses on the nervous system. It aims at enabling children to know and understand that in human beings, there are two kinds of control and coordination (nervous and chemical). The nervous coordination is brought about by the nervous system, and the chemical coordination by the chemicals called hormones. Children will also learn about the hormonal system called endocrine system. In addition, this theme will build and expand on the respiratory, circulatory and systems, which were introduced in earlier classes.

Your child should be able to

• explain that in addition to nervous control, another control/coordination mechanism called hormonal control also exists in humans
• define the terms – endocrine system, hormones, endocrine and exocrine glands
• draw a diagram showing the location of endocrine glands in the body and describe the functions of hormonal glands namely the thyroid, adrenal, pituitary and pancreas
• relate the knowledge gained and explain the changes in their own bodies
• become aware about the changes that occur during adolescence and how to manage the emotional and physical changes
• explain the techniques used in the management of stress
• draw diagrams of the heart, circulatory system, neuron and reflex action
• list out the functions of the heart, nervous system, lymph, RBC and WBC

Key concepts in this unit

• Endocrine System Two types of glands- exocrine, endocrine (basic concept and difference);
• Hormone (definition).
• Hormonal glands - (thyroid, adrenal, pancreas, pituitary); location and function of each.
• Following points to be studied in tabular form: name of gland, location in body, secretion, function.
• Adolescence and accompanying changes
• Physical and emotional changes in the body during adolescence.
• Importance of personal hygiene.
• Stress management (meaning of stress; ways to tackle stress: yoga, meditation, time management, sports, hobbies, rational thinking etc.)
• Circulatory System Revisit learning of earlier class
• Internal structure of heart in detail (including valves, septum; pace maker).
• Schematic diagram of the heart;
• Blood vessels - aorta, pulmonary trunk, coronary artery & vein, vena cava.
• Circulation of blood as double circulation.
• Blood Groups (A, B, AB and O): universal donor and universal acceptor.
• Conditions related to the functioning of the heart: palpitations, cardiac arrest and hyper tension.
• Introduction of lymphatic system as a parallel circulatory system.
• Nervous System Revisit learning of earlier class
• Types of nerves: sensory, motor, mixed (function only).
• Cranial and spinal nerves (only definition and number).
• Structure of a motor neuron Central nervous system (CNS) in detail with its parts and their functions.
• Reflex action: definition and basic terms used to describe reflex action stimulus, response, impulse, receptor, effector); common examples of reflex action.