Neural Control and Coordination
Neural control and coordination are described as the intricate network of the nervous system and endocrine system for regulating and coordinating various body functions. These two systems combine and respond to internal and external stimuli through various ways of the body to maintain homeostasis. This is an important chapter of biology in the Class 11 syllabus and also important for competitive exams like NEET since it deals with the structure and function of neurons, synaptic transmission, and reflex actions.
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- Important Topics of Neural Control and Coordination
- Overview of the Chapter
- What is Neural Control and Coordination?
- The Nervous System
- Neuron Structure
- Neural Coordination and Reflex Action
- 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
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
Overview of the Chapter
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 fulfil 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 combine 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.
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- Central Nervous System
- Peripheral Nervous System
- Locomotion and Movement
The Nervous System
The Nervous System is a very rapid point-to-point communication network. Communication in the endocrine system, through 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): 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, that keep the body in a resting state and conserve energy.
Neuron: The Basic Building Block of the Nervous System
Neurons, or nerve cells, are specialized to detect, receive, and transmit information. They vary in 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.
NCERT Notes Subject Wise Link:
- NCERT notes Class 11 Maths
- NCERT notes Class 11 Physics
- NCERT notes Class 11 Chemistry
- NCERT notes Class 11 Biology
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 facilitating rapid transmission of signals
Neuronal Communication and Signal Conduction
Neurons conduct signals via electrical impulses along their polarized membranes:
- Resting Membrane Potential: resting state of the neuron; high permeability to potassium (K+) and low permeability to sodium (Na+).
- Axolemma: Neuronal membrane containing ion channels that regulate the flow of ions and thus the electric impulse.
NCERT Solutions Subject-wise link:
- NCERT solutions for class 11 Physics
- NCERT solutions for class 11 Chemistry
- NCERT solutions for class 11 Mathematics
- NCERT solutions for class 11 Biology
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 Coordination and Reflex Action
Reflex actions are involuntary, almost instant movements in response to a stimulus. They are protective and rapid, bypassing the brain to save response time. Reflex actions are mediated through the reflex arc, which consists of receptors, sensory neurons, interneurons, motor neurons, and effectors. Reflex actions are a popular area for neural control and coordination NEET questions due to their practical implications.
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 a 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.
NCERT Exemplar Solutions Subject-wise link:
- NCERT exemplar solutions for class 11 Physics
- NCERT exemplar solutions for class 11 Chemistry
- NCERT exemplar solutions for class 11 Mathematics
- NCERT exemplar solutions for class 11 Biology
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% |
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Recommended Video on Neural Control and Coordination
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A synapse is a nerve impulse that is transferred from one neuron to another neuron by conjunction. It is made up of presynaptic and postsynaptic neuron membranes. The synapses may or may not be separated by a gap known as the synaptic cleft. Two different types of synapses called electrical synapses and chemical synapses are known when the first involves presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons in the vicinity and finally, the membrane is separated by a synaptic rupture, i.e. a fluid-filled area.
The brain and the spinal cord are included in the central nervous system. Brain is an organ of our body that serves as the center of command and control. It is safe as it is protected by a skull and is divided into three main parts, namely, forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain. The brain regulates voluntary movement, the function of unwanted vital organs, and aids in balance.
Cranium - 8 cranial bones form a hard outer layer of the Meninges of the brain - The brain is covered with three layers called meninges. Pia mater, arachnoid membrane, and dura mater Cerebrospinal fluid - It is located in the gaps between the meninges and absorbs shock.
The various organs have sensory nerves that sense surroundings and send them across brain connections like a computer input device. The human brain can be compared to a Central Processing Unit (CPU). The data collected by sensory neurons is processed by the brain that continues to instruct a particular organ to function in harmony. Finally, the message is captured by motor neurons similar to output devices.
It can lead to cognitive impairment or physical dysfunction. In addition, it can also cause emotional or behavioural disorders. Injury to the cervix can lead to tetraplegia.
Neural control and coordination are the processes employed by the nervous system and endocrine system in the regulation and coordination of body functions. This system ensures that various organs are in efficient communication with each other, providing appropriate responses to stimuli and maintaining homeostasis.
Neural control and coordination is one of the very important topics that the candidates must go through if they want to crack NEET because such is the basic necessity to understand how the human body can be used. Questions related to neuron structure, nerve impulses, and reflex actions are usually represented in NEET examinations.
Control of body functions through the nervous system is mainly through the transmission of messages between the brain, spinal cord, and other organs. This includes both balance and response through afferent input, processing, and motor output.
The control and coordination by the brain involve directing and regulating body functions as well as channelling sensory input, sending out signals for voluntary and involuntary actions. The brain works with the spinal cord and the peripheral nervous system to control all physiological processes in an organism.
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