The human body and health

Body systems

• Skeleton: supports, protects and helps movement (skull protects the brain).
• Digestive system: mouth, gullet, stomach, small and large intestines – breaks down food.
• Respiratory system: nose, windpipe, lungs – we breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide.
• Circulatory system: the heart pumps blood through blood vessels (arteries, veins, capillaries).
• Senses: eyes (sight), ears (hearing), nose (smell), tongue (taste), skin (touch).

A balanced diet

• Body-building foods (proteins): beans, eggs, meat, fish, matemba.
• Energy-giving foods (carbohydrates and fats): sadza, rice, bread, cooking oil.
• Protective foods (vitamins and minerals): fruits and vegetables.
• Water.

Lack of a balanced diet causes deficiency diseases such as kwashiorkor (lack of protein).

Diseases and prevention

• Malaria: spread by mosquitoes – use nets, drain stagnant water.
• Cholera and typhoid: spread through dirty water and food – boil water, wash hands, use toilets.
• HIV and AIDS: spread through blood and sexual contact – abstinence and avoiding sharing sharp objects; it is not spread by hugging or sharing plates.
• Tuberculosis: spread through coughing – seek treatment and cover your mouth.

Drug and substance abuse

Harms the brain, body and future; say no and talk to a trusted adult.

Check yourself

1. Which organ pumps blood around the body?
2. Name two body-building foods.
3. Give two ways of preventing cholera.