NCERT Textbook: Effects of Physical Activities on Human Body | Health and Physical Education for Grade 10 PDF Download

 Page 1


In this chapter, we shall discuss the effects, both short-
term and long-term, of physical activity on each of the major 
organ systems of human body. You are aware that a healthy 
individual is one who has a healthy mind in a healthy body. 
This state of health can be achieved when various organ 
systems of the body function in harmony. For example, 
physical activities are based on motor movements and their 
co-ordination. The command for movements comes from the 
brain which is a part of the nervous system. The required 
energy for movements and other activities is obtained from 
food. Food is completely digested in the intestine, a part of 
digestive system. Food and oxygen reach all the parts of body 
through the action of heart, which is a part of the circulatory 
system. In fact, many organ systems of the body function as 
an integrated whole for healthy maintenance of the body.
You have already studied about organ systems of the 
human body in the previous science classes. In this chapter, 
the organ systems have been discussed in relation to the 
effect of physical activities. It is a common experience that 
performance in any event, sports or otherwise, depends 
upon physical health, as well as, mental and emotional 
health. Development and maintenance of physical, mental 
and emotional health specially during this coronavirus 
(COVID-19) is therefore, very important.
Organ Sy Stem S Of Human BOdy Aggregates of cells constitute a tissue. Tissues of various kinds 
together make an organ and many organs together comprise 
an organ system. Various organ systems perform different 
functions of the body necessary for wellbeing and healthy living. 
The organs which have a major role to play in the functioning of 
their respective system, such as, heart, lungs, liver and kidney 
EffEcts of Physical 
a ctivitiEs on 
h uman Body Chap-2.indd   11 8/24/2020   1:09:23 PM
Page 2


In this chapter, we shall discuss the effects, both short-
term and long-term, of physical activity on each of the major 
organ systems of human body. You are aware that a healthy 
individual is one who has a healthy mind in a healthy body. 
This state of health can be achieved when various organ 
systems of the body function in harmony. For example, 
physical activities are based on motor movements and their 
co-ordination. The command for movements comes from the 
brain which is a part of the nervous system. The required 
energy for movements and other activities is obtained from 
food. Food is completely digested in the intestine, a part of 
digestive system. Food and oxygen reach all the parts of body 
through the action of heart, which is a part of the circulatory 
system. In fact, many organ systems of the body function as 
an integrated whole for healthy maintenance of the body.
You have already studied about organ systems of the 
human body in the previous science classes. In this chapter, 
the organ systems have been discussed in relation to the 
effect of physical activities. It is a common experience that 
performance in any event, sports or otherwise, depends 
upon physical health, as well as, mental and emotional 
health. Development and maintenance of physical, mental 
and emotional health specially during this coronavirus 
(COVID-19) is therefore, very important.
Organ Sy Stem S Of Human BOdy Aggregates of cells constitute a tissue. Tissues of various kinds 
together make an organ and many organs together comprise 
an organ system. Various organ systems perform different 
functions of the body necessary for wellbeing and healthy living. 
The organs which have a major role to play in the functioning of 
their respective system, such as, heart, lungs, liver and kidney 
EffEcts of Physical 
a ctivitiEs on 
h uman Body Chap-2.indd   11 8/24/2020   1:09:23 PM
Healt H and PHysical e ducation - c lass X
are called vital organs. Before we learn about the impact of 
physical activities on organ systems, let us review functioning 
of these systems.
Organ systems for movement of body and limbs: 
skeletal and muscular systems
When you walk, play, exercise, practice or participate in a 
sport, or even when you ‘warm up’ prior to a sport activity 
or competition, what is most obvious are the movements 
of hands and legs, with the brain being equally active.  
All the movements are due to contraction of muscles. Muscles 
are attached to bones. Bones form the skeleton. Bones are 
attached to each other by ligaments and muscles are attached 
to bones by tendons (Fig. 2.1, 2.2, 2.3).
Fig. 2.1: Muscle movement
  
Fig. 2.2: Muscle of the arm
  
Fig. 2.3: Human skeleton
Skeletal muscle Smooth muscle Cardiac muscle
Fig. 2.4: Types of muscles
Chap-2.indd   12 8/24/2020   1:09:25 PM
Page 3


In this chapter, we shall discuss the effects, both short-
term and long-term, of physical activity on each of the major 
organ systems of human body. You are aware that a healthy 
individual is one who has a healthy mind in a healthy body. 
This state of health can be achieved when various organ 
systems of the body function in harmony. For example, 
physical activities are based on motor movements and their 
co-ordination. The command for movements comes from the 
brain which is a part of the nervous system. The required 
energy for movements and other activities is obtained from 
food. Food is completely digested in the intestine, a part of 
digestive system. Food and oxygen reach all the parts of body 
through the action of heart, which is a part of the circulatory 
system. In fact, many organ systems of the body function as 
an integrated whole for healthy maintenance of the body.
You have already studied about organ systems of the 
human body in the previous science classes. In this chapter, 
the organ systems have been discussed in relation to the 
effect of physical activities. It is a common experience that 
performance in any event, sports or otherwise, depends 
upon physical health, as well as, mental and emotional 
health. Development and maintenance of physical, mental 
and emotional health specially during this coronavirus 
(COVID-19) is therefore, very important.
Organ Sy Stem S Of Human BOdy Aggregates of cells constitute a tissue. Tissues of various kinds 
together make an organ and many organs together comprise 
an organ system. Various organ systems perform different 
functions of the body necessary for wellbeing and healthy living. 
The organs which have a major role to play in the functioning of 
their respective system, such as, heart, lungs, liver and kidney 
EffEcts of Physical 
a ctivitiEs on 
h uman Body Chap-2.indd   11 8/24/2020   1:09:23 PM
Healt H and PHysical e ducation - c lass X
are called vital organs. Before we learn about the impact of 
physical activities on organ systems, let us review functioning 
of these systems.
Organ systems for movement of body and limbs: 
skeletal and muscular systems
When you walk, play, exercise, practice or participate in a 
sport, or even when you ‘warm up’ prior to a sport activity 
or competition, what is most obvious are the movements 
of hands and legs, with the brain being equally active.  
All the movements are due to contraction of muscles. Muscles 
are attached to bones. Bones form the skeleton. Bones are 
attached to each other by ligaments and muscles are attached 
to bones by tendons (Fig. 2.1, 2.2, 2.3).
Fig. 2.1: Muscle movement
  
Fig. 2.2: Muscle of the arm
  
Fig. 2.3: Human skeleton
Skeletal muscle Smooth muscle Cardiac muscle
Fig. 2.4: Types of muscles
Chap-2.indd   12 8/24/2020   1:09:25 PM
Eff Ects of Physical a ctiviti Es on h uman Body Muscles are made up of muscle cells which are also 
termed as muscle fibres because of their elongated shape. 
You have learnt in earlier classes that there are mainly three 
kinds of muscles. There are muscles that contract to cause 
movements according to one’s will. These are called voluntary 
muscles, such as, those of the limbs and the neck. The 
involuntary muscles, such as, those lining the food canal, 
move automatically without our efforts for making them move. 
Another kind of muscles, which are also involuntary, are the 
muscles of the heart or cardiac muscles which never stop 
contracting and relaxing. As learnt in earlier classes, muscle 
cells (muscle fibres) may be striated (voluntary) muscle fibres, 
unstriated (involuntary) muscle fibres and cardiac muscle 
fibres (Fig.2.4). Muscles are grouped into bundles enclosed in a 
membrane. Movement of muscles takes place by the movement 
of molecules of muscle proteins, called actin and myosin present 
in the muscle fibres. Upon receiving instructions from the brain 
and nerves, these proteins slide over each other and the muscle 
contracts. Muscle contraction uses up energy, which comes 
from food. It is measured in calories.
Energy producing organ systems
Through digestive system, food gets digested and 
converted to a form, which can be broken down 
in the cell to release energy. Respiratory system 
ensures a continuous supply of Oxygen to each and 
every cell of the body for oxidation of food. It is also 
responsible for continuous elimination of carbon 
dioxide produced as a result of this oxidation.
Digested food (Glucose) + Oxygen ? Carbon 
dioxide + Water + ATP
Adenosine Tri Phosphate (ATP) is the chemical 
that releases energy. ATP is biological energy.
Respiratory system functions to ensure the 
continuous supply of oxygen to the body and 
removal of carbon dioxide from the body. Fig. 2.5 
shows the different parts of the respiratory system. 
The intake of oxygen laden air from the atmosphere 
into lungs is inspiration (inhalation) and the 
process of removal of CO
2
 laden air from lungs is expiration 
(exhalation). Inspiration and expiration constitute breathing. 
(Fig. 2.7)
Activity 2.1
Underline the labelled 
vital organs in Fig. 2.5 
Observe the location of 
the vital organs such as 
the spinal cord.
Cervical vertebra
Thoracic 
vertebra
Lumbar 
vertebra
Intervertebral 
disc
Sacrum
Coccyx
Fig. 2.5: Respiratory system
Chap-2.indd   13 8/24/2020   1:09:25 PM
Page 4


In this chapter, we shall discuss the effects, both short-
term and long-term, of physical activity on each of the major 
organ systems of human body. You are aware that a healthy 
individual is one who has a healthy mind in a healthy body. 
This state of health can be achieved when various organ 
systems of the body function in harmony. For example, 
physical activities are based on motor movements and their 
co-ordination. The command for movements comes from the 
brain which is a part of the nervous system. The required 
energy for movements and other activities is obtained from 
food. Food is completely digested in the intestine, a part of 
digestive system. Food and oxygen reach all the parts of body 
through the action of heart, which is a part of the circulatory 
system. In fact, many organ systems of the body function as 
an integrated whole for healthy maintenance of the body.
You have already studied about organ systems of the 
human body in the previous science classes. In this chapter, 
the organ systems have been discussed in relation to the 
effect of physical activities. It is a common experience that 
performance in any event, sports or otherwise, depends 
upon physical health, as well as, mental and emotional 
health. Development and maintenance of physical, mental 
and emotional health specially during this coronavirus 
(COVID-19) is therefore, very important.
Organ Sy Stem S Of Human BOdy Aggregates of cells constitute a tissue. Tissues of various kinds 
together make an organ and many organs together comprise 
an organ system. Various organ systems perform different 
functions of the body necessary for wellbeing and healthy living. 
The organs which have a major role to play in the functioning of 
their respective system, such as, heart, lungs, liver and kidney 
EffEcts of Physical 
a ctivitiEs on 
h uman Body Chap-2.indd   11 8/24/2020   1:09:23 PM
Healt H and PHysical e ducation - c lass X
are called vital organs. Before we learn about the impact of 
physical activities on organ systems, let us review functioning 
of these systems.
Organ systems for movement of body and limbs: 
skeletal and muscular systems
When you walk, play, exercise, practice or participate in a 
sport, or even when you ‘warm up’ prior to a sport activity 
or competition, what is most obvious are the movements 
of hands and legs, with the brain being equally active.  
All the movements are due to contraction of muscles. Muscles 
are attached to bones. Bones form the skeleton. Bones are 
attached to each other by ligaments and muscles are attached 
to bones by tendons (Fig. 2.1, 2.2, 2.3).
Fig. 2.1: Muscle movement
  
Fig. 2.2: Muscle of the arm
  
Fig. 2.3: Human skeleton
Skeletal muscle Smooth muscle Cardiac muscle
Fig. 2.4: Types of muscles
Chap-2.indd   12 8/24/2020   1:09:25 PM
Eff Ects of Physical a ctiviti Es on h uman Body Muscles are made up of muscle cells which are also 
termed as muscle fibres because of their elongated shape. 
You have learnt in earlier classes that there are mainly three 
kinds of muscles. There are muscles that contract to cause 
movements according to one’s will. These are called voluntary 
muscles, such as, those of the limbs and the neck. The 
involuntary muscles, such as, those lining the food canal, 
move automatically without our efforts for making them move. 
Another kind of muscles, which are also involuntary, are the 
muscles of the heart or cardiac muscles which never stop 
contracting and relaxing. As learnt in earlier classes, muscle 
cells (muscle fibres) may be striated (voluntary) muscle fibres, 
unstriated (involuntary) muscle fibres and cardiac muscle 
fibres (Fig.2.4). Muscles are grouped into bundles enclosed in a 
membrane. Movement of muscles takes place by the movement 
of molecules of muscle proteins, called actin and myosin present 
in the muscle fibres. Upon receiving instructions from the brain 
and nerves, these proteins slide over each other and the muscle 
contracts. Muscle contraction uses up energy, which comes 
from food. It is measured in calories.
Energy producing organ systems
Through digestive system, food gets digested and 
converted to a form, which can be broken down 
in the cell to release energy. Respiratory system 
ensures a continuous supply of Oxygen to each and 
every cell of the body for oxidation of food. It is also 
responsible for continuous elimination of carbon 
dioxide produced as a result of this oxidation.
Digested food (Glucose) + Oxygen ? Carbon 
dioxide + Water + ATP
Adenosine Tri Phosphate (ATP) is the chemical 
that releases energy. ATP is biological energy.
Respiratory system functions to ensure the 
continuous supply of oxygen to the body and 
removal of carbon dioxide from the body. Fig. 2.5 
shows the different parts of the respiratory system. 
The intake of oxygen laden air from the atmosphere 
into lungs is inspiration (inhalation) and the 
process of removal of CO
2
 laden air from lungs is expiration 
(exhalation). Inspiration and expiration constitute breathing. 
(Fig. 2.7)
Activity 2.1
Underline the labelled 
vital organs in Fig. 2.5 
Observe the location of 
the vital organs such as 
the spinal cord.
Cervical vertebra
Thoracic 
vertebra
Lumbar 
vertebra
Intervertebral 
disc
Sacrum
Coccyx
Fig. 2.5: Respiratory system
Chap-2.indd   13 8/24/2020   1:09:25 PM
Healt H and PHysical e ducation - c lass X
You have already learnt in earlier classes that when 
muscles of rib cage and diaphragm (the muscular partition 
between thorax and abdomen) contract and flatten, the 
thoracic cavity increases in volume and air from outside 
rushes in. It passes through nostrils, pharynx, trachea and 
bronchi and reaches the lungs (inhalation). The reverse 
happens during exhalation when muscles of the rib cage 
and diaphragm relax and CO
2
 laden air from lungs goes out 
through bronchi, trachea and nostrils.
Breathing is followed by internal respiration when oxygen 
laden air from alveoli or air sacks of lungs is picked up by 
capillaries and reaches the heart through pulmonary vein. 
Once oxygen reaches cells, it oxidises glucose (which reaches 
cells after digestion through blood) to release energy as ATP 
or adenosine tri phosphate. 
Circulatory system circulates nutrients and oxygen to all 
parts of the body. It also carries carbon dioxide and other 
waste substances produced in the body to organs (lungs and 
Pharynx
Trachea
Lungs
Ribs
Diaphragm
Oral cavity
Nasal passage
Fig. 2.6: Human respiratory system
Ribs move
out
Diaphrams
moves down
(a) Inhalation
Air is
drawn in
Air forced
out
Ribs move
in
Diaphrams
moves back
(b) Exhalation
Fig. 2.7: Machanism of breathing in human beings
Fig. 2.8: Human heart
Pulmonary artery
Right atrium
Partition completely
separating the
two halves
Right ventricle
Left ventricle
Left atrium
Pulmonary vein
Aorta
Chap-2.indd   14 8/24/2020   1:09:28 PM
Page 5


In this chapter, we shall discuss the effects, both short-
term and long-term, of physical activity on each of the major 
organ systems of human body. You are aware that a healthy 
individual is one who has a healthy mind in a healthy body. 
This state of health can be achieved when various organ 
systems of the body function in harmony. For example, 
physical activities are based on motor movements and their 
co-ordination. The command for movements comes from the 
brain which is a part of the nervous system. The required 
energy for movements and other activities is obtained from 
food. Food is completely digested in the intestine, a part of 
digestive system. Food and oxygen reach all the parts of body 
through the action of heart, which is a part of the circulatory 
system. In fact, many organ systems of the body function as 
an integrated whole for healthy maintenance of the body.
You have already studied about organ systems of the 
human body in the previous science classes. In this chapter, 
the organ systems have been discussed in relation to the 
effect of physical activities. It is a common experience that 
performance in any event, sports or otherwise, depends 
upon physical health, as well as, mental and emotional 
health. Development and maintenance of physical, mental 
and emotional health specially during this coronavirus 
(COVID-19) is therefore, very important.
Organ Sy Stem S Of Human BOdy Aggregates of cells constitute a tissue. Tissues of various kinds 
together make an organ and many organs together comprise 
an organ system. Various organ systems perform different 
functions of the body necessary for wellbeing and healthy living. 
The organs which have a major role to play in the functioning of 
their respective system, such as, heart, lungs, liver and kidney 
EffEcts of Physical 
a ctivitiEs on 
h uman Body Chap-2.indd   11 8/24/2020   1:09:23 PM
Healt H and PHysical e ducation - c lass X
are called vital organs. Before we learn about the impact of 
physical activities on organ systems, let us review functioning 
of these systems.
Organ systems for movement of body and limbs: 
skeletal and muscular systems
When you walk, play, exercise, practice or participate in a 
sport, or even when you ‘warm up’ prior to a sport activity 
or competition, what is most obvious are the movements 
of hands and legs, with the brain being equally active.  
All the movements are due to contraction of muscles. Muscles 
are attached to bones. Bones form the skeleton. Bones are 
attached to each other by ligaments and muscles are attached 
to bones by tendons (Fig. 2.1, 2.2, 2.3).
Fig. 2.1: Muscle movement
  
Fig. 2.2: Muscle of the arm
  
Fig. 2.3: Human skeleton
Skeletal muscle Smooth muscle Cardiac muscle
Fig. 2.4: Types of muscles
Chap-2.indd   12 8/24/2020   1:09:25 PM
Eff Ects of Physical a ctiviti Es on h uman Body Muscles are made up of muscle cells which are also 
termed as muscle fibres because of their elongated shape. 
You have learnt in earlier classes that there are mainly three 
kinds of muscles. There are muscles that contract to cause 
movements according to one’s will. These are called voluntary 
muscles, such as, those of the limbs and the neck. The 
involuntary muscles, such as, those lining the food canal, 
move automatically without our efforts for making them move. 
Another kind of muscles, which are also involuntary, are the 
muscles of the heart or cardiac muscles which never stop 
contracting and relaxing. As learnt in earlier classes, muscle 
cells (muscle fibres) may be striated (voluntary) muscle fibres, 
unstriated (involuntary) muscle fibres and cardiac muscle 
fibres (Fig.2.4). Muscles are grouped into bundles enclosed in a 
membrane. Movement of muscles takes place by the movement 
of molecules of muscle proteins, called actin and myosin present 
in the muscle fibres. Upon receiving instructions from the brain 
and nerves, these proteins slide over each other and the muscle 
contracts. Muscle contraction uses up energy, which comes 
from food. It is measured in calories.
Energy producing organ systems
Through digestive system, food gets digested and 
converted to a form, which can be broken down 
in the cell to release energy. Respiratory system 
ensures a continuous supply of Oxygen to each and 
every cell of the body for oxidation of food. It is also 
responsible for continuous elimination of carbon 
dioxide produced as a result of this oxidation.
Digested food (Glucose) + Oxygen ? Carbon 
dioxide + Water + ATP
Adenosine Tri Phosphate (ATP) is the chemical 
that releases energy. ATP is biological energy.
Respiratory system functions to ensure the 
continuous supply of oxygen to the body and 
removal of carbon dioxide from the body. Fig. 2.5 
shows the different parts of the respiratory system. 
The intake of oxygen laden air from the atmosphere 
into lungs is inspiration (inhalation) and the 
process of removal of CO
2
 laden air from lungs is expiration 
(exhalation). Inspiration and expiration constitute breathing. 
(Fig. 2.7)
Activity 2.1
Underline the labelled 
vital organs in Fig. 2.5 
Observe the location of 
the vital organs such as 
the spinal cord.
Cervical vertebra
Thoracic 
vertebra
Lumbar 
vertebra
Intervertebral 
disc
Sacrum
Coccyx
Fig. 2.5: Respiratory system
Chap-2.indd   13 8/24/2020   1:09:25 PM
Healt H and PHysical e ducation - c lass X
You have already learnt in earlier classes that when 
muscles of rib cage and diaphragm (the muscular partition 
between thorax and abdomen) contract and flatten, the 
thoracic cavity increases in volume and air from outside 
rushes in. It passes through nostrils, pharynx, trachea and 
bronchi and reaches the lungs (inhalation). The reverse 
happens during exhalation when muscles of the rib cage 
and diaphragm relax and CO
2
 laden air from lungs goes out 
through bronchi, trachea and nostrils.
Breathing is followed by internal respiration when oxygen 
laden air from alveoli or air sacks of lungs is picked up by 
capillaries and reaches the heart through pulmonary vein. 
Once oxygen reaches cells, it oxidises glucose (which reaches 
cells after digestion through blood) to release energy as ATP 
or adenosine tri phosphate. 
Circulatory system circulates nutrients and oxygen to all 
parts of the body. It also carries carbon dioxide and other 
waste substances produced in the body to organs (lungs and 
Pharynx
Trachea
Lungs
Ribs
Diaphragm
Oral cavity
Nasal passage
Fig. 2.6: Human respiratory system
Ribs move
out
Diaphrams
moves down
(a) Inhalation
Air is
drawn in
Air forced
out
Ribs move
in
Diaphrams
moves back
(b) Exhalation
Fig. 2.7: Machanism of breathing in human beings
Fig. 2.8: Human heart
Pulmonary artery
Right atrium
Partition completely
separating the
two halves
Right ventricle
Left ventricle
Left atrium
Pulmonary vein
Aorta
Chap-2.indd   14 8/24/2020   1:09:28 PM
Eff Ects of Physical a ctiviti Es on h uman Body kidneys) for their removal. It also transports hormones and 
minerals required for the body.
The flow chart below shows organs of circulatory system 
for you to recall.
Organs of the circulatory system
Heart Blood Vessels
Arteries Veins Capillaries
Heart (Fig. 2.8) is the most vital organ of the body. It is 
situated between the two lungs in the thoracic cavity and 
is a cone shaped muscular, four chambered organ covered 
by a membrane. The four chambers are left and right atria 
(singular atrium) and left and right ventricles. They are 
separated by muscular partitions called septa singular 
septum. The chambers communicate by openings which are 
protected by valves.
The cardiac muscle cells continuously contract and relax 
(heart beat) for pumping blood into the organs and receiving 
blood from them. As the heart beats, oxygenated blood flows 
into the arteries and goes to various parts of the body, and 
then it flows back to the heart through veins for oxygenation 
in the lungs. This circulation of blood is depicted below. 
Blood flow between heart and lungs is called pulmonary 
circulation, while between heart and body parts is called 
systemic circulation. 
The process of circulation is shown in Fig 2.10 and further 
elaborated below.
Right
Atrium
Left
Atrium
Left
Ventricle
Right
Ventricle
Deoxygenated
blood from all
parts of the body
To lungs for
oxygenation
Oxygenated blood to all parts of body
Fig. 2.9: Diagrammatic representation of the heart and the flow of blood 
through it
As shown in the above figure
 • Deoxygenated blood from all parts of the body is collected 
by the veins. Veins pour deoxygenated blood laden with 
carbon dioxide into right atrium of the heart.
Chap-2.indd   15 8/24/2020   1:09:28 PM