Short Answer Questions: Medical Discoveries | Social Studies for Class 5 PDF Download

Q1:What is the purpose of a thermometer?
Ans: A thermometer helps to measure body temperature. When someone is sick, their body temperature may rise, indicating a fever. By using a thermometer, doctors can monitor the intensity of the infection and prescribe appropriate medicines to help reduce the fever and treat the illness.

Q2: Who invented the stethoscope and how is it used?
Ans: The stethoscope was invented by French physician René T.H. Laennec in 1819. It is a medical instrument used by doctors to listen to sounds from the heart and lungs. The doctor places the stethoscope's diaphragm over the heart or lungs and listens through earphones connected by rubber tubing. This helps the doctor to assess whether the heart and lungs are functioning normally or if there are any signs of infection or abnormalities.

Q3: What is the significance of a microscope in medicine?
Ans: Microscopes are crucial in medicine as they enable doctors to observe tiny organisms such as bacteria and viruses that cause diseases. By examining blood samples or other bodily fluids under a microscope, doctors can identify the presence of disease-causing germs and prescribe appropriate treatments to combat the illness.

Q4: How do X-rays help doctors diagnose diseases?
Ans: X-rays are a type of imaging technology that allows doctors to see inside the body, particularly bones and organs, to detect injuries, abnormalities, or diseases. X-ray photographs can reveal fractures, tumors, or infections, helping doctors make accurate diagnoses and develop treatment plans for their patients.

Q5: Who discovered Penicillin and what is its role in medicine?
Ans: Penicillin was discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1929. It is an antibiotic that can destroy certain bacteria responsible for causing infections. Penicillin and other antibiotics are essential in medicine as they help treat a wide range of bacterial infections, from minor ailments to life-threatening diseases, thereby saving countless lives.

Q6: How do vaccines work in preventing diseases?
Ans: Vaccines stimulate the body's immune system to produce antibodies against specific diseases, providing immunity without causing the illness itself. When a vaccinated person encounters the actual disease-causing organism, their immune system recognizes and fights off the infection more effectively, preventing or reducing the severity of the disease.

Q7: What was Edward Jenner's contribution to medicine?
Ans: Edward Jenner developed the first successful vaccine for smallpox, a deadly disease that was rampant in the 18th century. By observing that individuals exposed to cowpox were protected from smallpox, Jenner pioneered the concept of vaccination. His groundbreaking work laid the foundation for the development of vaccines against other infectious diseases.

Q8: How does pasteurization help in preserving milk?
Ans: Pasteurization involves heating milk to a high temperature to kill harmful bacteria and pathogens, thereby extending its shelf life and reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. By eliminating harmful microbes, pasteurization ensures that milk remains safe for consumption, contributing to public health and food safety standards.

Q9: What measures are taken to prevent infections during surgery?
Ans: During surgery, strict sterilization procedures are followed to prevent infections. Surgical instruments and equipment are thoroughly cleaned and sterilized to eliminate any bacteria or pathogens. Additionally, antiseptics are used to disinfect the surgical site, and surgeons may administer antibiotics to further reduce the risk of postoperative infections.

Q10: What is the holistic approach to health?
Ans: The holistic approach to health emphasizes the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It involves adopting healthy lifestyle practices such as proper nutrition, regular exercise, adequate rest, and good hygiene for physical health. Mental health is nurtured through emotional regulation, humility, continuous learning, and responsibility. Spiritual health is promoted through activities like meditation, altruism, and active participation in community service, fostering a balanced and fulfilling life.