Class 10 Science

Chapter 7 Control and Coordination

For control and coordination there is a system inside our body which is known as
the nervous system and the hormonal system.
Receptors: Receptors are the specialized tips of the nerve fibres that collect the
information to be conducted by the nerves.
Receptors are in the sense organs of the animals.
These are classified as follows:

 Phono-receptors: These are present in inner ear.

Functions: The main functions are hearing and balance of the body.
 Photo-receptors: These are present in the eye.
Function: These are responsible for visual stimulus.
 Thermo-receptors: These are present in skin.
Functions: These receptors are responsible for pain, touch and heat stimuli.
These receptors are also known as thermoreceptors.
 Olfactory-receptors: These are present in nose.
Functions: These receptors receive smell.
 Gustatory-receptors: These are present in the tongue.
Functions: These helps in taste detection.

Nervous System: The nervous system is composed of specialized tissues, called

nervous tissue. The nerve cell or neuron is the functional unit of the nervous system.
It is the nervous system which is mainly responsible for control and coordination in
complex animals.

Functions of the nervous system

 Nervous system receives information from the environment.

 To receive the information from the various body.
 To act according to through muscles and glands.

A neuron is the structural and functional unit of the nervous system.

Neuron: Neuron is a highly specialized cell which is responsible for the

transmission of nerve impulses. The neuron consists of the following parts:

(i) Cyton or cell body: The cell body or cyton is somewhat star-shaped, with
many hair like structures protruding out of the margin. These hair-like structures are
called dendrites. Dendrites receive the nerve impulses.

(ii) Axon: This is the tail of the neuron. It ends in several hair-like structures,
called axon terminals. The axon terminals relay nerve impulses.

(iii) Myelin sheath: There is an insulator cover around the axon. This is called
myelin sheath. The myelin sheath insulates the axon against nerve impulse from the
surroundings.
Types of neuron

 Sensory neuron: These neurons receive signals from a sense organ.

 Motor neuron: These neurons send signals to a muscle or a gland.
 Association or relay neuron: These neurons relay the signals between
sensory neuron and motor neuron.

Synapse:

The point contact between the terminal branches of axon of one neuron with the
dendrite of another neuron is called synapse.

Neuromuscular Junction (NMJ):

NMJ is the point where a muscle fibre comes in contact with a motor neuron
carrying nerve impulse from the control nervous system.

Transmission of nerve impulse: Nerve impulses travel in the following manner

from one neutron to the next:

Dendrites → cell body → axon → nerve endings at the tip of axon → synapse →
dendrite of next neuron.

Chemical released from axon tip of one neuron, cross the synapse or
neuromuscular junction to reach the next cell.

Human Nervous System: The nervous system in humans can be divided into three
main parts:

1. Central Nervous System:

The central nervous system is composed of the brain and the spinal cord. The brain
controls all the functions in the human body. The spinal cord works as the relay
channel for signals between the brain and the peripheral nervous system.

2. Peripheral Nervous System:

The peripheral nervous system is composed of the cranial nerves and spinal nerves.
There are 12 pairs of cranial nerves. The cranial nerves come out of the brain and
go to the organs in the head region. There are 31 pairs of spinal nerves. The spinal
nerves come out of the spinal cord and go to the organs which are below the head
region.
3. Autonomous Nervous System:

The autonomous nervous system is composed of a chain of nerve ganglion which

runs along the spinal cord. It controls all the involuntary actions in the human body.
The autonomous nervous system can be divided into two parts:

 Sympathetic nervous system.

 Parasympathetic nervous system.

Sympathetic Nervous System:

This part of the autonomous nervous system heightens the activity of an organ as
per the need. For example, during running, there is an increased demand for oxygen
by the body. This is fulfilled by an increased breathing rate and increased heart rate.
The sympathetic nervous system works to increase the breathing rate the heart rate,
in this case.

Parasympathetic Nervous System:

This part of the autonomous nervous system slows the down the activity of an organ
and thus has a calming effect. During sleep, the breathing rate slows down and so
does the heart rate. This is facilitated by the parasympathetic nervous system. It can
be said that the parasympathetic nervous system helps in the conservation of
energy.
 Human Brain
It is the main controlling centre of our body. It is the major part of CNS.

 It is present in a cavity called the skull.

 It is surrounded by a bony box known as the cranium.

 It is covered with membranes called the meninges.

 The fluid present in vacant spaces and between membranes is called the CSF
(cerebrospinal fluid).

It is divided into:

Central nervous system

The central nervous system (CNS) is made up of the brain and the spinal cord.
Functions of different parts of the brain are:

 Cerebrum is responsible for reasoning, logic, emotions, speech, memory,

visual processing, recognition of auditory and taste stimuli, etc.
 Cerebellum regulates and coordinates body movements, posture and
balance.
 Pons relays signals from hindbrain to forebrain.
 Medulla Oblongata controls all involuntary movements like vomiting,
sneezing, yawning, heartbeat, breathing, blood pressure, etc.
 Medulla oblongata continues as the spinal cord which runs through the
vertebral column and it controls reflex actions.

1. Fore brain
Cerebrum: It is the largest part of the brain that is roughly divided into two parts
called the cerebral hemispheres. These parts are further divided into small parts that
perform different functions. These hemispheres have certain lobes in it that perform
certain important functions:
Frontal: It controls the facial muscular activities.
Temporal: It helps in hearing.
Occipital: It helps in vision.
Parietal: It controls the sensation of taste, touch, temperature etc.
Olfactory lobes: They are the prominent lobes and they help in producing
sensation of smell
2. Midbrain: It has no sub division and its function is to control some reflex
actions. It is composed of the hypothalamus.
Hypothalamus: The hypothalamus lies at the base of the cerebrum. It controls
sleep and wake cycle (circadian rhythm) of the body. It also controls the urges for
eating and drinking.

3. Hindbrain
Cerebellum: It is also like cerebrum but not too large. We can say it is the second
largest part of the brain. It is also roughly divided into two parts called cere-bellar
hemispheres which are further divided into small parts. Their major function is to
control body movements and posture movements.
Pons varolii: It is the small ovoid body located near the brain stem. It controls some
aspects of respiration.
Medulla oblongata: It is the stem of the brain. It controls involuntary activities like
coughing, sneezing, heart beat etc
Cerebellum:

Cerebellum lies below the cerebrum and at the back of the whole structure. It
coordinates the motor functions. When you are riding your bicycle, the perfect
coordination between your pedalling and steering control is achieved by the
cerebellum.

 It controls posture and balance.

 It controls the precision of voluntary action.

Medulla:

Medulla forms the brain stem, along with the pons. It lies at the base of the brain
and continues into the spinal cord. The medulla controls various involuntary
functions, like hear beat respiration, etc.
It controls involuntary actions.
Example: Blood pressure, salivation, vomiting.

Pons:

It relays impulses between the lower cerebellum and spinal cord, and higher parts of
the brain like the cerebrum and midbrain, also regulates respiration.

Spinal cord:

Spinal cord controls the reflex actions and conducts massages between different
parts of the body and brain.

Reflex Action:

Reflex action is a special case of involuntary movement involuntary organs. When a

voluntary organ is in the vicinity of sudden danger, it is immediately pulled away
from the danger to save itself. For example, when your hand touches a very hot
electric iron, you move away your hand in a jerk. All of this happens in flash and
your hand is saved from the imminent injury. This is an example of reflex action.

Reflex Arc:

The path through which nerves signals, involved in a reflex action, travel is called
the reflex arc. The following flow chart shows the flow of signal in a reflex arc.

Receptor → Sensory neuron → Relay neuron → Motor neuron → Effector

(muscle)
The receptor is the organ which comes in the danger zone. The sensory neurons
pick signals from the receptor and send them to the relay neuron. The relay neuron
is present in the spinal cord. The spinal cord sends signals to the effector via the
motor neuron. The effector comes in action, moves the receptor away from the
danger.

The reflex arc passes at the level of the spinal cord and the signals involved in reflex
action do not travel up to the brain. This is important because sending signals to the
brain would involve more time.
Although every action is ultimately controlled by the brain, the reflex action is mainly
controlled at the level of spinal cord.

Protection of brain and spinal cord

Brain is protected by a fluid filled balloon which acts as shocks absorber and
enclosed in cranium (Brain box) and Spinal cord is enclosed in vertebral column.

Muscular Movements and Nervous Control:

Muscle tissues have special filaments, called actin and myosin. When a muscle
receives a nerve signal, a series of events is triggered in the muscle. Calcium ions
enter the muscle cells. It result in actin and myosin filaments sliding towards each
other and that is how a muscle contracts. Contraction in a muscle brings movement
in the related organ.
Endocrine System:

The endocrine system is composed of several endocrine glands. A ductless gland is

called endocrine gland. Endocrine gland secretes its product directly into the
bloodstream. Hormones are produced in the endocrine glands. Hormone is mainly
composed of protein. Hormones assist the nervous system in control and co-
ordination. Nervous do not react to every nook and corner of the body and hence
hormones are needed to affect control and coordination in those parts. Moreover,
unlike nervous control, hormonal control is somewhat slower.

Hormones:

These are the chemical messengers secreted in very small amounts by specialised
tissues called ductless glands. They act on target tissues/organs usually away from
their source. Endocrine System helps in control and coordination through chemical
compounds called hormones.

Endocrine Gland: A ductless gland that secretes hormones directly into the
bloodstream.
Endocrine Gland Location Hormones Produced Functions

Growth hormone (GH). GH stimulates growth.

Pituitary gland Thyroid stimulating TSH stimulates the functioning of the
At the base
(also known as the hormone (TSH). Follicle thyroid gland.
of the brain
master gland) stimulating hormone FSH stimulates the follicles during
(FSH) ovulation.
Controls general metabolism and
Thyroid Gland Neck Thyroxine
growth in the body.
Prepares the body for emergency
Above
Adrenal gland Adrenalin situations and hence is also called
kidneys
‘Fight and flight’ hormone.
Near
Pancreas Insulin Controls blood sugar level
stomach
Sperm production, development of
Testis (male) In Scrotum Testosterone secondary sexual characters during
puberty.
Egg production, development of
Ovary (female) Near uterus Oestrogen secondary sexual characters during
puberty.
Iodised salt is necessary because:

Iodine mineral is essential part of thyroxine hormone so it is important that we

must consume iodised salt as in turn it is essential for thyroid gland as it controls
carbohydrate, proteins and fat metabolism for best balance of growth deficiency of
iodine might cause disease called goitre.

Diabetes:

Cause: It is due to deficiency of insulin hormone secreted by pancreas that is

responsible to lower/control the blood sugar levels.

Treatment: Patients have to internally administer injections of insulin hormone

which helps in regulating blood-sugar level.

In case of flight or fight reaction to an emergency situation,

Adrenal glands → release adrenaline into blood → which acts on heart and other
tissues → causes faster heart beat → more oxygen to muscles → reduced blood
supply to digestive system and skin → diversion of blood to skeletal muscles →
increase in breathing rate.

Feedback mechanism: A type of self-regulating mechanism in which the level of

one substance in body influences the level of another.
Control and Co-ordination in Plants:

Plants use chemical means for control and co-ordination. Many plant hormones are
responsible for various kinds of movements in plants. Movements in plants can be
divided into two main types:

1. Tropic Movement: The movements which are in a particular direction in relation

to the stimulus are called tropic movements. Tropic movements happen as a result
of growth of a plant part in a particular direction. There are four types of tropic
movements.

(i) Geotropic movement:

The growth in a plant part in response to the gravity is called geotropic movement.
Roots usually show positive geotropic movement, i.e. they grow in the direction of
the gravity. Stems usually show negative geotropic movement.

(ii) Phototropic Movement:

The growth in a plant part in response to light is called phototropic movement.

Stems usually show positive phototropic movement, while roots usually show
negative phototropic movement. If a plant is kept in a container in which no sunlight
reaches and a hole in the container allows some sunlight; the stem finally grows in
the direction of the sunlight. This happens because of a higher rate of cell division in
the part of stem which is away from the sunlight. As a result, the stem bends
towards the light. The heightened rate of cell division is attained by increased
secretion of the plant hormone auxin in which it moves away from sunlight.

(iii) Hydrotropic Movement:

When roots grow in the soil, they usually grow towards the nearest source of water.
This shows a positive hydrotropic movement.
(iv) Thigmotropism Movement:

The growth in a plant part in response to touch is called thigmotropism movement.

Such movements are seen in tendrils of climbers. The tendril grows in a way so as it
can coil around a support. The differential rate of cell division in different parts of the
tendril happens due to action of auxin.

2. Nastic Movement:

The movement which do not depend on the direction from the stimulus acts are
called nastic movement. For example, when someone touches the leaves of
mimosa, the leaves droop. The drooping is independent of the direction from which
the leaves are touched. Such movements usually happen because of changing
water balance in the cells. When leaves of mimosa are touched, the cells in the
leaves lose- water and become flaccid, resulting in drooping of leaves.

Plant hormones:

Plant hormones are chemical which help to co-ordinate growth, development and
responses to the environment.
Type of plant hormones: Main plant hormones are

 Auxin: (Synthesized at shoot tip).

Function: Helps in growth.
Phototropism: more growth of cells towards the light.
 Gibberellin: Helps in the growth of the stem.
 Cytokinins: Promotes cell division.
 Abscisic acid: Inhibits growth, cause wilting of leaves. (Stress hormone)

Page No 119

Question 1:
What is the difference between a reflex action and walking?
ANSWER:

A reflex action is a rapid, automatic response to a stimulus. It does not involve any
thinking. For example, we close our eyes immediately when the bright light is
focused. Walking, on the other hand, is a voluntary action. It is under our conscious
control.
Question 2:

What happens at the synapse between two neurons?

ANSWER:

A very small gap that occurs between the last portion of axon of one neuron and the
Dendron of the other neuron is known as a synapse. It acts as a one way valve to
transmit impulses in one direction only. This uni-direction transfer of impulses occurs
as the chemicals are produced in only one side of the neuron i.e., the axon’s side.
From axon, the impulses travel across the synapse to the Dendron of the other
neuron. A synapse or neuromuscular junction
Question 3:

Which part of the brain maintains posture and equilibrium of the body?
ANSWER:

Cerebellum, a part of hindbrain is responsible for maintaining posture and

equilibrium of the body.
Question 4:

How do we detect the smell of an agarbatti (incense stick)?

ANSWER:

The thinking part of our brain is the forebrain. It has separate areas that are
specialized for hearing, smelling, sight, taste, touch, etc. The forebrain also has
regions that collect information or impulses from the various receptors. When the
smell of an incense stick reaches us, our forebrain detects it. Then, the forebrain
interprets it by putting it together with the information received from other receptors
and also with the information already stored in the brain.
Question 5:

What is the role of the brain in reflex action?

ANSWER:

Reflex actions are sudden responses, which do not involve any thinking. For
example, when we touch a hot object, we withdraw our hand immediately without
thinking as thinking may take time which would be enough to get us burnt.

The sensory nerves that detect the heat are connected to the nerves that move
the muscles of the hand. Such a connection of detecting the signal from the nerves
(input) and responding to it quickly (output) is called a reflex arc. The reflex arcs
−connections present between the input and output nerves − meet in a bundle in the
spinal cord.
Reflex arc

Reflex arcs are formed in the spinal cord and the information (input) reaches the
brain. The brain is only aware of the signal and the response that has taken place.
However, the brain has no role to play in the creation of the response.

Page No 122

Question 1:

What are plant hormones?

ANSWER:

Plant hormones or phytohormones are naturally-occurring organic substances.

These are synthesized in one part of the plant body (in minute quantities) and are
translocated to other parts when required. The five major types of phytohormones
are auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, abscisic acid, and ethylene.
Question 2:

How is the movement of leaves of the sensitive plant different from the movement of
a shoot towards light?
ANSWER:

The movement of leaves of the sensitive plant, Mimosa pudica or “touch me not”,
occurs in response to touch or contact stimuli. This movement is independent of
growth. The movement of shoot towards light is known as phototropism. This type of
movement is directional and is growth dependent.
Question 3:

Give an example of a plant hormone that promotes growth.

ANSWER:

Auxin is an example of growth-promoting plant hormone.

Question 4:

How do auxins promote the growth of a tendril around a support?

ANSWER:

Auxin is synthesized at the shoot tip. It helps the cell grow longer. When a tendril
comes in contact with a support, auxin stimulates faster growth of the cells on the
opposite side, so that the tendril forms a coil around the support. This makes the
tendrils appear as a watch spring.
Question 5:

Design an experiment to demonstrate hydrotropism.

ANSWER:

Take two small beakers and label them as A and B. Fill beaker A with water. Now
make a cylindrical-shaped roll from a filter paper and keep it as a bridge between
beaker A and beaker B, as shown in the figure. Attach few germinating seeds in the
middle of the filter paper bridge. Now, cover the entire set-up with a transparent
plastic container so that the moisture is retained.

Observation:

The roots of the germinating seeds will grow towards beaker A.

This experiment demonstrates the phenomenon of hydrotropism.

 Page No 125:

Question 1:

How does chemical coordination take place in animals?

ANSWER:

Chemical coordination takes place in animals with the help of hormones.Hormone is

the chemical messenger that regulates the physiological processes in living
organisms. It is secreted by glands. The regulation of physiological processes, and
control and coordination by hormones comes under the endocrine system. The
nervous system along with the endocrine system in our body controls and
coordinates the physiological processes.
Question 2:

Why is the use of iodised salt advisable?

ANSWER:

Iodine stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroxin hormone. It regulates

carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism in our body. Deficiency of this hormone
results in the enlargement of the thyroid gland. This can lead to goitre, a disease
characterized by swollen neck. Therefore, iodised salt is advised for normal
functioning of the thyroid gland.
Question 3:

How does our body respond when adrenaline is secreted into the blood?
ANSWER:

Adrenalin is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands in case of any danger or

emergency or any kinds of stress. It is secreted directly into the blood and is
transported to different parts of the body.

When secreted in large amounts, it speeds up the heartbeat and hence supplies
more oxygen to the muscles. The breathing rate also increases due to contractions
of diaphragm and rib muscles. It also increases the blood pressure. All these
responses enable the body to deal with any stress or emergency.
Question 4:

Why are some patients of diabetes treated by giving injections of insulin?

ANSWER:

Diabetes is a disease in which the level of sugar in the blood is too high. Insulin, a
hormone secreted by the pancreas, helps in regulating the blood sugar levels. This
is the reason why diabetic patients are treated by giving injections of insulin.
 EXERCISE
Question 1:
Which of the following is a plant hormone?

(a) Insulin

(b) Thyroxin

(c) Oestrogen

(d) Cytokinin
ANSWER:

(d) Cytokinin is a plant hormone.

Question 2:

The gap between two neurons is called a

(a) Dendrite.

(b) Synapse.

(c) Axon.

(d) Impulse.
ANSWER:

(b) The gap between two neurons is called a synapse.

Question 3:

The brain is responsible for

(a) Thinking.

(b) Regulating the heartbeat.

(c) Balancing the body.

(d) all of the above.

ANSWER:

(d) The brain is responsible for thinking, regulating the heart beat and balancing the
body.
Question 4:

What is the function of receptors in our body? Think of situations where receptors do
not work properly. What problems are likely to arise?
ANSWER:

Receptors are sensory structures (organs/tissues or cells) present all over the body.
The receptors are either grouped in case of eye or ear, or scattered in case of skin.

Functions of receptors:

(i) They sense the external stimuli such as heat or pain.

(ii) They also trigger an impulse in the sensory neuron which sends message to the
spinal cord.

When the receptors are damaged, the external stimuli transferring signals to the
brain are not felt. For example, in the case of damaged receptors, if we accidentally
touch any hot object, then our hands might get burnt as damaged receptors cannot
perceive the external stimuli of heat and pain.

Question 5:

Draw the structure of a neuron and explain its function.

ANSWER:

Neurons are the functional units of the nervous system. The three main parts of a
neuron are axon, dendrite, and cell body.

Structure of a neuron

Functions of the three parts of a neuron:

Axon: It conducts messages away from the cell body.

Dendrite: It receives information from axon of another cell and conducts the
messages towards the cell body.

Cell body: It contains nucleus, mitochondria, and other organelles. It is mainly

concerned with the maintenance and growth.
Question 6:

How does phototropism occur in plants?

ANSWER:

The growth movement in plants in response to light stimulus is known as

phototropism. The shoots show positive phototropism and the roots show negative
phototropism. This means that the shoots bend towards the source of light whereas
the roots bend away from the light source.

Some examples of phototropism are as follows:

(a) The flower head of sunflower is positively phototropic and hence it moves from
east to west along with the sun.

(b) The ovary stalk of groundnut is positively phototropic before fertilization and
becomes negatively phototropic after fertilization, so that the fruit is formed
underground.
Question 7:

Which signals will get disrupted in case of a spinal cord injury?

ANSWER:

The reflex arc connections between the input and output nerves meet in a bundle in
the spinal cord. In fact, nerves from all over the body meet in a bundle in the spinal
cord on their way to the brain. In case of any injury to the spinal cord, the signals
coming from the nerves as well as the signals coming to the receptors will be
disrupted.
Question 8:

How does chemical coordination occur in plants?

ANSWER:

In animals, control and coordination occur with the help of nervous system.
However, plants do not have a nervous system.

Plants respond to stimuli by showing movements. The growth, development, and

responses to the environment in plants is controlled and coordinated by a special
class of chemical substances known as hormones. These hormones are produced
in one part of the plant body and are translocated to other needy parts. For example,
a hormone produced in roots is translocated to other parts when required. The five
major types of phytohormone are auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, abscisic acid, and
ethylene. These phytohormones are either growth promoters (such as auxins,
gibberellins, cytokinins, and ethylene) or growth inhibitors such as abscisic acid.
Question 9:

What is the need for a system of control and coordination in an organism?

ANSWER:

The maintenance of the body functions in response to changes in the body by

working together of various integrated body systems is known as coordination. All
the movements that occur in response to stimuli are carefully coordinated and
controlled. In animals, the control and coordination movements are provided by
nervous and muscular systems. The nervous system sends messages to and away
from the brain. The spinal cord plays an important role in the relay of messages. In
the absence of this system of control and coordination, our body will not be able to
function properly. For example, when we accidentally touch a hot utensil, we
immediately withdraw our hand. In the absence of nerve transmission, we will not
withdraw our hand and may get burnt.
Question 10:

How are involuntary actions and reflex actions different from each other?
ANSWER:

Involuntary actions cannot be consciously controlled. For example, we cannot

consciously control the movement of food in the alimentary canal. These actions are
however directly under the control of the brain. On the other hand, the reflex actions
such as closing of eyes immediately when bright light is focused show sudden
response and do not involve any thinking. This means that unlike involuntary
actions, the reflex actions are not under the control of brain.
Question 11:

Compare and contrast nervous and hormonal mechanisms for control and
coordination in animals.
ANSWER:
Nervous system mechanism Hormonal system mechanism
1. The information is conveyed in the 1. The information is conveyed in
form of electric impulse. the form of chemical
messengers.
2. The axons and dendrites transmit the 2. The information is transmitted or
information through a coordinated transported through blood.
effort.
3. The flow of information is rapid and 3. The information travels slowly
the response is quick. and the response is slow.
4. Its effects are short lived. 4. It has prolonged effects.

Question 12:

What is the difference between the manner in which movement takes place in a
sensitive plant and the movement in our legs?
ANSWER:
Movement in sensitive plants Movement in our legs
1. The movement that takes place in a 1. Movement in our legs is an
sensitive plant such as Mimosa example of voluntary
pudica occurs in response to touch actions.
(stimulus).
2. For this movement, the information is 2. The signal or messages for
transmitted from cell to cell by electro- these actions are passed to
chemical signals as plants do not have the brain and hence are
any specialised tissue for conduction of consciously controlled.
impulses.
3. For this movement to occur, the plant 3. In animal muscle cells,
cells change shape by changing the some proteins are found
amount of water in them. which allow the movement
to occur.