Neural Control and Coordination

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on May 27, 2025 08:43 AM IST

Neural control and coordination refer to the complex interaction between the nervous system and the endocrine system, which together regulate and coordinate different functions in the body. This system helps the body respond to internal and external stimuli, ensuring that all parts of the body work together to maintain homeostasis.

This Story also Contains

Overview
What is Neural Control and Coordination?
The Nervous System
Neuron Structure
Organs of the Nervous System
Reflex Action
Neuronal Communication and Signal Conduction
Synapse and Signal Transmission
Neural Control and Coordination MCQ
Tips, Tricks, and Strategies to Prepare for Neural Control and Coordination
Types of Questions and Weightage of Neural Control and Coordination in Exams
Recommended Video on Neural Control and Coordination

Neural Control and Coordination

This chapter is important for competitive exams like NEET as it covers key concepts such as the structure and function of neurons, how nerve impulses are transmitted across synapses, and the working of reflex actions. Understanding these mechanisms is important for understanding how the body communicates and responds quickly to changes in the environment. This is an important chapter of biology in the Class 11 syllabus.

Important Topics of Neural Control and Coordination

Central Nervous System (CNS)
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
Autonomic Nervous System
Important Concepts - Reflex Actions, Reflex Arc, Synapses and Neurotransmission

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Overview

This chapter of Neural Control and Coordination discusses how the nervous system coordinates and controls the various bodily functions so that organisms respond to internal and external stimuli. The chapter deals with the structure, types, and functioning of neurons, which are the main cells that conduct signals across the nervous system. It covers the generation and transmission of nerve impulses with a focus on action potentials and the movement of ions across neuron membranes.

What is Neural Control and Coordination?

The process by which two or more organs can cooperate and help each other's functions is called coordination. When we exercise, the supply of oxygen and the need for energy increase with increased muscle activity. When we stop exercising, all the functions of the nerves, heart, lungs, and kidneys are normal. Therefore, the functions of all the organs are well integrated to perform the exercise and provide the necessary conditions during exercise. Similarly, in our bodies, the nervous system and the endocrine system together combine and control all the functions of the organs to function in a coordinated way.

The nervous system or nervous system is a systematic network of point-to-point communication for rapid communication, and the endocrine system needs chemical synthesis by hormones.

The Nervous System

The Nervous System is a very rapid point-to-point communication network. Communication in the endocrine system, through the synthesis and release of hormones, is much slower. Combined, they form a very complex network that controls and coordinates functions in the body.

Components of the Nervous System

There are two broad categories of the nervous system:

Central Nervous System (CNS): Composed of the brain and the spinal cord. This system regulates all the processing of information by the body.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): The entire tissue that lies outside the CNS forms the peripheral nervous system. It is subdivided into:

Somatic Nervous System (SNS): Conducts impulses from the CNS to skeletal muscles for carrying out voluntary movements.
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): Regulates involuntary activities by conducting impulses from the CNS to the smooth muscles and glands.

Divisions of the Autonomic Nervous System

Sympathetic Nervous System: Activates the body's "fight or flight" response when the body is experiencing stress or under attack.

Parasympathetic Nervous System: Manages "rest and digest" functions, which keep the body in a resting state and conserve energy.

Neuron: The Basic Building Block of the Nervous System

Neurons, or nerve cells, are specialised to detect, receive, and transmit information. They vary from simple to complex forms across different organisms:

Unipolar Neurons: One axon with no dendrites; generally found at earlier embryonic stages.

Bipolar Neurons: These have one axon and one dendrite. They are found in sensory organs, such as the retina.

Multipolar Neurons: They have one axon and many dendrites. They are predominantly located in the cerebral cortex.

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Neuron Structure

Each neuron has three essential parts:

Cell Body (Soma): The cell body contains a nucleus, cytoplasm, and Nissl granules. All these help in protein synthesis.

Dendrites: They are short projections from the cell body made of Nissl granules that transmit impulses back towards the cell body.

Axon: A long, thin projection that transmits signals away from the cell body to other neurons or muscle cells.

Neuron structure

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Types and Functions of Axons

There are two basic types of axons:

Myelinated Axons: They have a myelin sheath that helps facilitate impulse conduction. These are usually found in the brain and spinal cord.

Non-myelinated Axons: They do not have a myelin sheath, hence, impulses are slower to conduct. They are mainly found in the ANS.

Main Characteristics of Myelinated Axons:

Schwann Cells: Provide the axon with the myelin sheath.

Nodes of Ranvier: Gaps in the myelin sheath facilitate the rapid transmission of signals

Organs of the Nervous System

The different organs of the nervous system are described below-

Human Brain

The human brain is the main control centre of the body, protected by the skull and three membranes called the meninges. It is divided into three major parts: forebrain (controls thinking and emotions), midbrain (controls reflexes) and hindbrain (regulates balance and vital functions like breathing and heartbeat). The brain processes information from the sense organs and coordinates all voluntary and involuntary actions.

Human Eye

The human eye is a light-sensitive organ that allows us to see. Its key parts include the cornea, lens. Iris, retina and optic nerve. Light enters through the cornea and lens, focusing the image on the retina, where photoreceptor cells convert light into nerve signals. These signals are sent to the brain via the optic nerve, which helps us with vision.

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Human Ear

The human ear is responsible for both hearing and balance. It is divided into three parts: the outer ear (collects sound), the middle ear (amplifies sound via small bones) and the inner ear ( contains the cochlea for hearing and semicircular canals for balance). Sound waves are converted into nerve impulses, which are then sent to the brain for interpretation.

Reflex Action

Reflex action is a quick, automatic and involuntary response to a stimulus which protects the body from harm. For example, pulling your hand away when you touch something hot. Reflexes are controlled by the spinal cord and occur without conscious thinking. The pathway taken by nerve impulses in a reflex is called a reflex arc, which includes receptors, sensory nerves, the spinal cord, motor nerves, and effectors like muscles. This fast reaction helps the body respond instantly to danger.

Neuronal Communication and Signal Conduction

Neurons transmit signals by generating electrical impulses along their membranes, which are in a polarised state at rest. This resting condition is called the resting membrane potential, where the neuron has high permeability to potassium and low permeability to sodium ions, creating a negative charge inside the cell. The plasmalemma, or the neuron's membrane, contains ion channels that open and close to regulate the movement of ions. These channels help maintain the resting state and allow the neuron to generate and conduct impulses when stimulated.

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Synapse and Signal Transmission

Synapses are junctions where neurons communicate. The signal transmission occurs via electrical or chemical synapses. Chemical synapses release neurotransmitters to relay information, which is fundamental in neural control and coordination questions and answers. The synaptic mechanism underpins critical concepts that appear in neural control and coordination NEET PYQ.

Neural Control and Coordination MCQ

Given below are some neural control and coordination NEET questions for practice:

Which part of the brain is primarily responsible for maintaining balance and coordination in the human body?

A) Cerebrum
B) Cerebellum
C) Medulla oblongata
D) Hypothalamus

Ans: B) Cerebellum

What is the role of the myelin sheath in neurons?

A) To prevent signal loss along the axon
B) To slow down the transmission of nerve impulses
C) To produce neurotransmitters
D) To connect one neuron to another

Ans: A) To prevent signal loss along the axon

Which of the following correctly describes a synapse?

A) The point of origin of a nerve impulse
B) A gap between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released
C) A type of neuron found in the brain
D) The structure within the spinal cord controlling reflexes

Ans: B) A gap between two neurons where neurotransmitters are released

The part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the “fight or flight” response is:

A) Sympathetic nervous system
B) Parasympathetic nervous system
C) Central nervous system
D) Somatic nervous system

Ans: A) Sympathetic nervous system

Which part of the neuron receives signals from other neurons?

A) Axon
B) Dendrites
C) Myelin sheath
D) Synapse

Ans: B) Dendrites

Reflex actions are coordinated by which part of the nervous system?

A) Brain
B) Spinal cord
C) Medulla
D) Hypothalamus

Ans: B) Spinal cord

These neural control and coordination questions and answers will give an idea about the pattern of the exam and check the level of preparation.

Tips, Tricks, and Strategies to Prepare for Neural Control and Coordination

Here are some tips and tricks to prepare for Neural Control and Coordination:

Mnemonics

Use "SAME DAVE" to recall Sensory Afferent, Motor Efferent, Dorsal Afferent, and Ventral Efferent nerve pathways

Study Aids

Diagrams: Illustrate and label diagrams of neuron anatomy, reflex arc, and synaptic process.

Flowcharts: Be able to create flowcharts of impulse conduction and steps of synaptic transmission.

Multimedia

Videos and Animations: Be able to watch tutorial videos that explain the workings of the nervous system and the functions of neurotransmitters.

Flashcards

Be able to make flashcards that help review functions of parts of the brain, types of neurons, and neurotransmitters.

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Types of Questions and Weightage of Neural Control and Coordination in Exams

The table below indicates the weightage and types of questions asked from neural control and coordination in Exams:

Exam Type	Types of Questions	Weightage of Neural Control and Coordination
CBSE Board Exams	Definitions, short answers on neurons, reflex arcs, and brain structures	5-7%
NEET	MCQs on neuron anatomy, synapses, and neurotransmitter functions	3-5%
Nursing Entrance Exams	True/False on nervous system disorders, scenario-based questions on neural pathways	2-4%
Paramedical Exams	Case studies on nervous system functions and the impact of neurotransmitter imbalances	2-3%