Human Health and Diseases

Health does not simply mean ‘absence of disease’ or physical fitness. In fact, it is difficult to aptly define health. According to the World Health Organization, health is defined as the state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. In short, health is birth right of humans. Health also reflects the metabolic and functional efficiency of living organisms.

What are the various public health measures, which you would suggest as safeguard against infectious diseases?

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Ensuring personal and public hygiene is crucial to protect against infectious diseases. Personal hygiene measures encompass various practices: 1. Ensure personal hygiene by maintaining cleanliness in the body. 2. Consume clean drinking water and wholesome foods, including vegetables and fruits. 3. Practice proper waste disposal and manage excreta appropriately. 4. Regularly clean and disinfect water … Read more

Write a note on the antigens-antibody complex.

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1. Every antibody is designed to target a specific antigen. 2. Interaction occurs between antigenic determinants (epitopes), situated on the combining sites of antigens, and the corresponding paratopes on antibodies. 3. The variable regions of antibodies house the antigen-binding sites (paratopes). 4. Minute differences in the variable regions contribute to the high specificity of each … Read more

Write a note on antigens on blood cells.

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Antigens on Blood Cells: Blood cells, comprising red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets, exhibit distinct antigens on their surfaces. These antigens play a pivotal role in blood typing and compatibility. 1. Red Blood Cell Antigens (Blood Group Systems): •ABO System: In the ABO blood group system, red blood cells express antigens known … Read more

Give the symptoms of cancer.

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1. Fatigue: Feeling persistently tired or lacking energy. 2. Lumps or Thickening:Detecting an abnormal lump or thickened area under the skin 3. Weight Changes:Experiencing unintended weight loss or gain. 4. Skin Changes: Noticing alterations like yellowing, darkening, redness, non-healing sores, or changes in moles. 5. Altered Habits:Changes in bowel or bladder habits, persistent cough, difficulty … Read more

Write a short note on AIDS.

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HIV is transmitted for following reasons: 1. HIV transmission occurs through specific activities such as sex or injection drug use. 2. The virus is transmitted via certain body fluids, including blood, semen, pre-seminal fluids, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. 3. Transmission is possible only if these fluids contact mucous membranes, open cuts or … Read more

What are the symptoms of malaria? How does malaria spread?

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Malaria symptoms typically manifest 7 to 18 days post-infection. Common signs include fever, fatigue, chills, vomiting, headaches, diarrhea, anemia, and muscle pain. Severe cases may involve profuse sweating, convulsions, and, in extreme instances, seizures, coma, or death. Malaria is spread for the following reason: When a mosquito contracts a disease from biting an infected person … Read more

Differentiate between B-cells and T-cells.

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B Cells (B Lymphocytes): 1. Originate in the bone marrow. 2. Also known as B lymphocytes. 3. Present inside lymph nodes. 4. Have surface antibodies. 5. Connect to the surface of invading bacteria and viruses. 6. Membrane receptor for antigen is BCR (B cell receptor). 7. Life span is short. 8. Secrete antibodies. 9. Have … Read more

Distinguish between active immunity and passive immunity.

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Comparing Active Immunity and Passive Immunity: Active Immunity: Protection Origin: Originates from the body’s response to antigens, leading to antibody production and memory cell formation. Duration of Protection: Offers prolonged defense, often for years or a lifetime. Induction: Triggered by exposure to a pathogen through infection or vaccination. Primary Response: Initial immune response is slower as … Read more

What is a carcinogen? Name one chemical carcinogen with its target tissue.

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Carcinogens are substances that induce cancer and can be classified into physical, chemical, and biological agents. Carcinogen Organ affected I. Coal tar (3, 4 benzpyrene) Skin, lungs ii. Cigarette smoke (N-nitrosodimethylamine) Lungs iii. Cadmium oxide Prostate gland iv. Aflatoxin (a metabolite of Aspergillus flavus, a mould) Liver