NCERT Book: Physical and Physiological Aspects of Physical Education | NCERT Books & Solutions for Humanities - Humanities/Arts PDF Download

 Page 1


Physical and 
Physiological 
a s Pects of Physical 
e ducation and 
s Ports 3
Physical and physiological aspects of physical education 
and sports include growth and development, heredity and 
environment, and differences between growth and development. 
Factors affecting growth and development, and physical and 
physiological changes occurring during developmental stages 
are also discussed in this chapter. Physiological aspects include 
activities like warming up, conditioning and cooling down, 
effects of exercises on muscular, digestive, circulatory, and 
respiratory systems. These  are also the  part of this chapter.
Growth and d evelopment The terms growth and development are used in various 
aspects of life. Growth can be explained as becoming bigger 
or larger. Growth is termed as a physical change, whereas 
development includes physical, social, and psychological 
changes. Development also means transformation or 
improvement. Growth is related to quantitative improvement. 
Development is related to quantitative as well as qualitative 
improvement.
Growth
Growth refers to the process through which the body 
increases in size and shape. It is a biological process. In 
other words, growth means increase in mass. From the time 
of conception, the process of growth starts in the mother’s 
womb. The fertilised egg continues to grow and after birth 
this process goes on till complete physical maturity is 
obtained. Growth is thus, a quantitative increase in size 
and shape. Physical growth refers to these changes in size 
and shape of different organs of the body, each of which 
normally proceeds at a different rate. Growth therefore, is a 
Chap-3.indd   32 31-07-2020   15:25:39
2024-25
Page 2


Physical and 
Physiological 
a s Pects of Physical 
e ducation and 
s Ports 3
Physical and physiological aspects of physical education 
and sports include growth and development, heredity and 
environment, and differences between growth and development. 
Factors affecting growth and development, and physical and 
physiological changes occurring during developmental stages 
are also discussed in this chapter. Physiological aspects include 
activities like warming up, conditioning and cooling down, 
effects of exercises on muscular, digestive, circulatory, and 
respiratory systems. These  are also the  part of this chapter.
Growth and d evelopment The terms growth and development are used in various 
aspects of life. Growth can be explained as becoming bigger 
or larger. Growth is termed as a physical change, whereas 
development includes physical, social, and psychological 
changes. Development also means transformation or 
improvement. Growth is related to quantitative improvement. 
Development is related to quantitative as well as qualitative 
improvement.
Growth
Growth refers to the process through which the body 
increases in size and shape. It is a biological process. In 
other words, growth means increase in mass. From the time 
of conception, the process of growth starts in the mother’s 
womb. The fertilised egg continues to grow and after birth 
this process goes on till complete physical maturity is 
obtained. Growth is thus, a quantitative increase in size 
and shape. Physical growth refers to these changes in size 
and shape of different organs of the body, each of which 
normally proceeds at a different rate. Growth therefore, is a 
Chap-3.indd   32 31-07-2020   15:25:39
2024-25
Physical and Physiological Aspects ... 33
tangible biological process in which the organism gains in 
terms of size, volume, height, and weight.
Development
Development is related with advancement and a progressive 
series of qualitative changes. Development processes have 
greater relationship with external factors than growth. Proper 
development cannot take place unless external factors such 
as nutrition, activity, and protection from diseases, and other 
socio-cultural influences are well ensured. More specifically 
development can be defined as the emerging and expanding 
of capabilities of the individual. Growth forms the basis for 
the development of functional capacities of the child. Without 
proper growth, probably the required level of development 
may not be achieved at a given stage. Acquisition of skills and 
knowledge also indicates developmental process. Although 
growth comes to end at some stage of life, development 
continues till death.
Table 1: Difference between Growth and Development
Growth Development
Growth is visible. Development can be observed.
Growth is quantitative. Development is quantitative as well as 
qualitative.
Growth comprises of height, 
weight, size, and shape of body 
and its organs.
Along with the physical changes, 
cognitive, social, and emotional 
changes are also included.
It is due to cell division. It happens due to motor and mental 
processes and their interplay.
Growth is for limited period. Development is a life long process.
Growth can be measured 
objectively.
It can be observed by matured 
behaviour.
Growth tells about one aspect of  
the personality and is limited in 
scope.
Development deals with all the aspects 
of personality and has a vast scope.
Growth can be measured and 
continues up to certain age of an 
individual.
Development is more related to 
qualitative aspect and difficult to 
measure for instance, mental ability, 
academic achievement, etc.
The limits of the growth are set by 
the heredity of an individual.
Development is more affected by the 
environment available to the person.
Chap-3.indd   33 31-07-2020   15:25:39
2024-25
Page 3


Physical and 
Physiological 
a s Pects of Physical 
e ducation and 
s Ports 3
Physical and physiological aspects of physical education 
and sports include growth and development, heredity and 
environment, and differences between growth and development. 
Factors affecting growth and development, and physical and 
physiological changes occurring during developmental stages 
are also discussed in this chapter. Physiological aspects include 
activities like warming up, conditioning and cooling down, 
effects of exercises on muscular, digestive, circulatory, and 
respiratory systems. These  are also the  part of this chapter.
Growth and d evelopment The terms growth and development are used in various 
aspects of life. Growth can be explained as becoming bigger 
or larger. Growth is termed as a physical change, whereas 
development includes physical, social, and psychological 
changes. Development also means transformation or 
improvement. Growth is related to quantitative improvement. 
Development is related to quantitative as well as qualitative 
improvement.
Growth
Growth refers to the process through which the body 
increases in size and shape. It is a biological process. In 
other words, growth means increase in mass. From the time 
of conception, the process of growth starts in the mother’s 
womb. The fertilised egg continues to grow and after birth 
this process goes on till complete physical maturity is 
obtained. Growth is thus, a quantitative increase in size 
and shape. Physical growth refers to these changes in size 
and shape of different organs of the body, each of which 
normally proceeds at a different rate. Growth therefore, is a 
Chap-3.indd   32 31-07-2020   15:25:39
2024-25
Physical and Physiological Aspects ... 33
tangible biological process in which the organism gains in 
terms of size, volume, height, and weight.
Development
Development is related with advancement and a progressive 
series of qualitative changes. Development processes have 
greater relationship with external factors than growth. Proper 
development cannot take place unless external factors such 
as nutrition, activity, and protection from diseases, and other 
socio-cultural influences are well ensured. More specifically 
development can be defined as the emerging and expanding 
of capabilities of the individual. Growth forms the basis for 
the development of functional capacities of the child. Without 
proper growth, probably the required level of development 
may not be achieved at a given stage. Acquisition of skills and 
knowledge also indicates developmental process. Although 
growth comes to end at some stage of life, development 
continues till death.
Table 1: Difference between Growth and Development
Growth Development
Growth is visible. Development can be observed.
Growth is quantitative. Development is quantitative as well as 
qualitative.
Growth comprises of height, 
weight, size, and shape of body 
and its organs.
Along with the physical changes, 
cognitive, social, and emotional 
changes are also included.
It is due to cell division. It happens due to motor and mental 
processes and their interplay.
Growth is for limited period. Development is a life long process.
Growth can be measured 
objectively.
It can be observed by matured 
behaviour.
Growth tells about one aspect of  
the personality and is limited in 
scope.
Development deals with all the aspects 
of personality and has a vast scope.
Growth can be measured and 
continues up to certain age of an 
individual.
Development is more related to 
qualitative aspect and difficult to 
measure for instance, mental ability, 
academic achievement, etc.
The limits of the growth are set by 
the heredity of an individual.
Development is more affected by the 
environment available to the person.
Chap-3.indd   33 31-07-2020   15:25:39
2024-25
Health and Physical Education - XI 34
Factors a FFectin G Growth and d evelopment The following factors influence the growth and development 
of a living organism. 
Heredity
Heredity is a biological process that plays an important role 
in the transmission of physical and social attributes from 
parents to their children. Height, weight and structure  
of the body, colour of hair and eyes, intelligence,  
aptitudes, and instincts of the child are highly influenced by 
heredity.
The behaviour of a living organism is influenced by 
two factors — heredity and environment. The biological or 
psychological characteristics which are transmitted by the 
parents to their children are known by the name of heredity. 
It is a biological process of transmission of certain traits 
of appearance and behaviour of the parents towards their 
offsprings. Heredity traits are innate, they are present at birth. 
The essential characteristics inherited by all human beings 
are physical structure, reflexes, innate drives, intelligence, 
temperament, etc.
Environment 
Environment plays an important role in human life. 
Psychologically a person’s environment consists of the sum 
total of the stimulations (physical and psychological) which 
is received from the conception. There are three different 
types of environment, such as —
1. Physical: It consists of all outer physical surroundings. 
These are both animate and inanimate which have to 
be manipulated in order to provide food, clothing, and 
shelter. Geographical conditions such as weather, 
climate, and physical environment also have considerable 
impact on an individual child.
2. Social: It is constituted by the society, individuals, 
institutions, social laws, and customs that regulate 
human behaviour. It refers to the physical and social 
setting in which a child lives. It includes culture, 
education, human settlement, etc.
3. Psychological: It is rooted in an individual’s reaction with 
an object and situation. One’s love, affection, emotion, 
and feeling of friendship and brotherhood will strengthen 
human bond with one another.
Environment is the sum total of the surroundings in 
which an individual has to live. It is generally divided into 
two categories—natural and social. Natural environment 
Chap-3.indd   34 31-07-2020   15:25:39
2024-25
Page 4


Physical and 
Physiological 
a s Pects of Physical 
e ducation and 
s Ports 3
Physical and physiological aspects of physical education 
and sports include growth and development, heredity and 
environment, and differences between growth and development. 
Factors affecting growth and development, and physical and 
physiological changes occurring during developmental stages 
are also discussed in this chapter. Physiological aspects include 
activities like warming up, conditioning and cooling down, 
effects of exercises on muscular, digestive, circulatory, and 
respiratory systems. These  are also the  part of this chapter.
Growth and d evelopment The terms growth and development are used in various 
aspects of life. Growth can be explained as becoming bigger 
or larger. Growth is termed as a physical change, whereas 
development includes physical, social, and psychological 
changes. Development also means transformation or 
improvement. Growth is related to quantitative improvement. 
Development is related to quantitative as well as qualitative 
improvement.
Growth
Growth refers to the process through which the body 
increases in size and shape. It is a biological process. In 
other words, growth means increase in mass. From the time 
of conception, the process of growth starts in the mother’s 
womb. The fertilised egg continues to grow and after birth 
this process goes on till complete physical maturity is 
obtained. Growth is thus, a quantitative increase in size 
and shape. Physical growth refers to these changes in size 
and shape of different organs of the body, each of which 
normally proceeds at a different rate. Growth therefore, is a 
Chap-3.indd   32 31-07-2020   15:25:39
2024-25
Physical and Physiological Aspects ... 33
tangible biological process in which the organism gains in 
terms of size, volume, height, and weight.
Development
Development is related with advancement and a progressive 
series of qualitative changes. Development processes have 
greater relationship with external factors than growth. Proper 
development cannot take place unless external factors such 
as nutrition, activity, and protection from diseases, and other 
socio-cultural influences are well ensured. More specifically 
development can be defined as the emerging and expanding 
of capabilities of the individual. Growth forms the basis for 
the development of functional capacities of the child. Without 
proper growth, probably the required level of development 
may not be achieved at a given stage. Acquisition of skills and 
knowledge also indicates developmental process. Although 
growth comes to end at some stage of life, development 
continues till death.
Table 1: Difference between Growth and Development
Growth Development
Growth is visible. Development can be observed.
Growth is quantitative. Development is quantitative as well as 
qualitative.
Growth comprises of height, 
weight, size, and shape of body 
and its organs.
Along with the physical changes, 
cognitive, social, and emotional 
changes are also included.
It is due to cell division. It happens due to motor and mental 
processes and their interplay.
Growth is for limited period. Development is a life long process.
Growth can be measured 
objectively.
It can be observed by matured 
behaviour.
Growth tells about one aspect of  
the personality and is limited in 
scope.
Development deals with all the aspects 
of personality and has a vast scope.
Growth can be measured and 
continues up to certain age of an 
individual.
Development is more related to 
qualitative aspect and difficult to 
measure for instance, mental ability, 
academic achievement, etc.
The limits of the growth are set by 
the heredity of an individual.
Development is more affected by the 
environment available to the person.
Chap-3.indd   33 31-07-2020   15:25:39
2024-25
Health and Physical Education - XI 34
Factors a FFectin G Growth and d evelopment The following factors influence the growth and development 
of a living organism. 
Heredity
Heredity is a biological process that plays an important role 
in the transmission of physical and social attributes from 
parents to their children. Height, weight and structure  
of the body, colour of hair and eyes, intelligence,  
aptitudes, and instincts of the child are highly influenced by 
heredity.
The behaviour of a living organism is influenced by 
two factors — heredity and environment. The biological or 
psychological characteristics which are transmitted by the 
parents to their children are known by the name of heredity. 
It is a biological process of transmission of certain traits 
of appearance and behaviour of the parents towards their 
offsprings. Heredity traits are innate, they are present at birth. 
The essential characteristics inherited by all human beings 
are physical structure, reflexes, innate drives, intelligence, 
temperament, etc.
Environment 
Environment plays an important role in human life. 
Psychologically a person’s environment consists of the sum 
total of the stimulations (physical and psychological) which 
is received from the conception. There are three different 
types of environment, such as —
1. Physical: It consists of all outer physical surroundings. 
These are both animate and inanimate which have to 
be manipulated in order to provide food, clothing, and 
shelter. Geographical conditions such as weather, 
climate, and physical environment also have considerable 
impact on an individual child.
2. Social: It is constituted by the society, individuals, 
institutions, social laws, and customs that regulate 
human behaviour. It refers to the physical and social 
setting in which a child lives. It includes culture, 
education, human settlement, etc.
3. Psychological: It is rooted in an individual’s reaction with 
an object and situation. One’s love, affection, emotion, 
and feeling of friendship and brotherhood will strengthen 
human bond with one another.
Environment is the sum total of the surroundings in 
which an individual has to live. It is generally divided into 
two categories—natural and social. Natural environment 
Chap-3.indd   34 31-07-2020   15:25:39
2024-25
Physical and Physiological Aspects ... 35
refers to all those things and forces on, and around the earth 
that are natural and influence a person. Social environment 
means the environment which one sees around oneself 
on acquiring consciousness in the society, i.e., languages, 
religions, customs, traditions, means of communication, 
means of luxury, family, school, social groups, etc.
Role of Heredity and Environment on Growth and 
Development
 • Heredity is responsible for all the inborn traits, in-
stincts, emotions, and physical traits.
 • Environment is responsible for the growth and develop-
ment of the mental and social traits.
 • The two forces heredity and environment are com-
plementary to each other like seed and soil, ship and 
wave, etc. 
So growth and development are regulated by the surrounding 
environment of a child, or where an individual lives.
Gender
Gender acts as an important factor in human growth and 
development. Boys in general are taller, heavier in comparison 
to the girls but girls demonstrate early physical growth during 
adolescence than boys. The body composition and structural 
growth of girls are different from boys.
Nutrition
Growth and development of the child depends on food 
habits and nutrition. The human body requires an 
adequate supply of calories for its normal growth and 
this requirement varies with phases of development. 
Malnutrition has an adverse effect on the structural and 
functional development of the child.
Exercise
Physical exercises have positive impact on growth and 
development of the children. The functional activities come 
in the form of exercises of the body. It means growth through 
use and atrophy (the reverse of growth) through disuse.
The growth of muscles from the normal functioning of 
the child is a matter of common knowledge. It is a fact that 
repeated physical activity builds the strength of the muscle. 
The increase in muscular strength is mainly due to better 
circulation and good stimulation supply of nutrients and 
oxygen to the muscles. Play and other physical activities 
provide for the growth and development of skeletal muscles. 
Chap-3.indd   35 31-07-2020   15:25:40
2024-25
Page 5


Physical and 
Physiological 
a s Pects of Physical 
e ducation and 
s Ports 3
Physical and physiological aspects of physical education 
and sports include growth and development, heredity and 
environment, and differences between growth and development. 
Factors affecting growth and development, and physical and 
physiological changes occurring during developmental stages 
are also discussed in this chapter. Physiological aspects include 
activities like warming up, conditioning and cooling down, 
effects of exercises on muscular, digestive, circulatory, and 
respiratory systems. These  are also the  part of this chapter.
Growth and d evelopment The terms growth and development are used in various 
aspects of life. Growth can be explained as becoming bigger 
or larger. Growth is termed as a physical change, whereas 
development includes physical, social, and psychological 
changes. Development also means transformation or 
improvement. Growth is related to quantitative improvement. 
Development is related to quantitative as well as qualitative 
improvement.
Growth
Growth refers to the process through which the body 
increases in size and shape. It is a biological process. In 
other words, growth means increase in mass. From the time 
of conception, the process of growth starts in the mother’s 
womb. The fertilised egg continues to grow and after birth 
this process goes on till complete physical maturity is 
obtained. Growth is thus, a quantitative increase in size 
and shape. Physical growth refers to these changes in size 
and shape of different organs of the body, each of which 
normally proceeds at a different rate. Growth therefore, is a 
Chap-3.indd   32 31-07-2020   15:25:39
2024-25
Physical and Physiological Aspects ... 33
tangible biological process in which the organism gains in 
terms of size, volume, height, and weight.
Development
Development is related with advancement and a progressive 
series of qualitative changes. Development processes have 
greater relationship with external factors than growth. Proper 
development cannot take place unless external factors such 
as nutrition, activity, and protection from diseases, and other 
socio-cultural influences are well ensured. More specifically 
development can be defined as the emerging and expanding 
of capabilities of the individual. Growth forms the basis for 
the development of functional capacities of the child. Without 
proper growth, probably the required level of development 
may not be achieved at a given stage. Acquisition of skills and 
knowledge also indicates developmental process. Although 
growth comes to end at some stage of life, development 
continues till death.
Table 1: Difference between Growth and Development
Growth Development
Growth is visible. Development can be observed.
Growth is quantitative. Development is quantitative as well as 
qualitative.
Growth comprises of height, 
weight, size, and shape of body 
and its organs.
Along with the physical changes, 
cognitive, social, and emotional 
changes are also included.
It is due to cell division. It happens due to motor and mental 
processes and their interplay.
Growth is for limited period. Development is a life long process.
Growth can be measured 
objectively.
It can be observed by matured 
behaviour.
Growth tells about one aspect of  
the personality and is limited in 
scope.
Development deals with all the aspects 
of personality and has a vast scope.
Growth can be measured and 
continues up to certain age of an 
individual.
Development is more related to 
qualitative aspect and difficult to 
measure for instance, mental ability, 
academic achievement, etc.
The limits of the growth are set by 
the heredity of an individual.
Development is more affected by the 
environment available to the person.
Chap-3.indd   33 31-07-2020   15:25:39
2024-25
Health and Physical Education - XI 34
Factors a FFectin G Growth and d evelopment The following factors influence the growth and development 
of a living organism. 
Heredity
Heredity is a biological process that plays an important role 
in the transmission of physical and social attributes from 
parents to their children. Height, weight and structure  
of the body, colour of hair and eyes, intelligence,  
aptitudes, and instincts of the child are highly influenced by 
heredity.
The behaviour of a living organism is influenced by 
two factors — heredity and environment. The biological or 
psychological characteristics which are transmitted by the 
parents to their children are known by the name of heredity. 
It is a biological process of transmission of certain traits 
of appearance and behaviour of the parents towards their 
offsprings. Heredity traits are innate, they are present at birth. 
The essential characteristics inherited by all human beings 
are physical structure, reflexes, innate drives, intelligence, 
temperament, etc.
Environment 
Environment plays an important role in human life. 
Psychologically a person’s environment consists of the sum 
total of the stimulations (physical and psychological) which 
is received from the conception. There are three different 
types of environment, such as —
1. Physical: It consists of all outer physical surroundings. 
These are both animate and inanimate which have to 
be manipulated in order to provide food, clothing, and 
shelter. Geographical conditions such as weather, 
climate, and physical environment also have considerable 
impact on an individual child.
2. Social: It is constituted by the society, individuals, 
institutions, social laws, and customs that regulate 
human behaviour. It refers to the physical and social 
setting in which a child lives. It includes culture, 
education, human settlement, etc.
3. Psychological: It is rooted in an individual’s reaction with 
an object and situation. One’s love, affection, emotion, 
and feeling of friendship and brotherhood will strengthen 
human bond with one another.
Environment is the sum total of the surroundings in 
which an individual has to live. It is generally divided into 
two categories—natural and social. Natural environment 
Chap-3.indd   34 31-07-2020   15:25:39
2024-25
Physical and Physiological Aspects ... 35
refers to all those things and forces on, and around the earth 
that are natural and influence a person. Social environment 
means the environment which one sees around oneself 
on acquiring consciousness in the society, i.e., languages, 
religions, customs, traditions, means of communication, 
means of luxury, family, school, social groups, etc.
Role of Heredity and Environment on Growth and 
Development
 • Heredity is responsible for all the inborn traits, in-
stincts, emotions, and physical traits.
 • Environment is responsible for the growth and develop-
ment of the mental and social traits.
 • The two forces heredity and environment are com-
plementary to each other like seed and soil, ship and 
wave, etc. 
So growth and development are regulated by the surrounding 
environment of a child, or where an individual lives.
Gender
Gender acts as an important factor in human growth and 
development. Boys in general are taller, heavier in comparison 
to the girls but girls demonstrate early physical growth during 
adolescence than boys. The body composition and structural 
growth of girls are different from boys.
Nutrition
Growth and development of the child depends on food 
habits and nutrition. The human body requires an 
adequate supply of calories for its normal growth and 
this requirement varies with phases of development. 
Malnutrition has an adverse effect on the structural and 
functional development of the child.
Exercise
Physical exercises have positive impact on growth and 
development of the children. The functional activities come 
in the form of exercises of the body. It means growth through 
use and atrophy (the reverse of growth) through disuse.
The growth of muscles from the normal functioning of 
the child is a matter of common knowledge. It is a fact that 
repeated physical activity builds the strength of the muscle. 
The increase in muscular strength is mainly due to better 
circulation and good stimulation supply of nutrients and 
oxygen to the muscles. Play and other physical activities 
provide for the growth and development of skeletal muscles. 
Chap-3.indd   35 31-07-2020   15:25:40
2024-25
Health and Physical Education - XI 36
Hormones
Hormones are chemical substances and play an important role 
in regulating the process of growth and development. There 
are many endocrine glands present inside our body. Endocrine 
glands are ductless glands and are situated in some specific 
parts of the body. These glands make internal secretions locally 
and produce one or more hormones.
Hormones are physiological substances having the 
power to increase or decrease the activity level of the body 
or certain organs of the body. For example, thyroid gland 
releases thyroxin hormone which influences the skeletal 
and muscular growth. In the absence of this hormone in 
appropriate proportion, growth and development is affected.
Similarly, the adrenal glands are situated very close to 
kidneys. These secrete adrenaline, which is responsible for 
strong and rapid heartbeat, release of stored sugar from liver 
and controls blood pressure. Gonads are repoductive glands, 
which secrete hormones that affect our growth and sexual 
behaviour.
Learning and Reinforcement
Learning is the most important and fundamental topic in 
the whole science of psychology. Development consists of 
maturation and learning. Learning includes much more 
than school learning. Learning goes to help the child in the 
physical, mental, emotional, intellectual, social, and attitudinal 
developments. All knowledge and skill, all good and bad habits,  
all acquaintances with people and things, all attitudes built up 
while dealing with people and things are learned.
Reinforcement is an important factor in learning. Exercise 
or activity is necessary for learning. It may be a motor activity, 
as in playing on a musical instrument, or it may be a sensory 
activity as in listening to a piece of music. Whatsoever, there 
must be activity in some form. ‘Learning by doing’, is an 
old psychological proverb. Now it is accepted that, activity 
should be repeated till we get the desired results. So the 
saying should be replaced as ‘learning by doing and getting 
results’.
Pollution 
According to studies, air pollution not only affects the 
respiratory organs but also has harmful effects on human 
growth. Indoor pollution or the pollution from housing 
conditions can result in ill health which can negatively 
impact human growth and development. For example, lead 
exposure from deteriorated lead-based paint in older housing 
can be very harmful. Lead is very harmful for children as 
Chap-3.indd   36 31-07-2020   15:25:40
2024-25