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Summary of Class 10 Science Chapter 7: Control and Coordination

ncert book January 04, 2025

Summary of Class 10 Science Chapter 7: Control and Coordination



The nervous system and hormonal control mechanisms are the body's regulatory systems, enabling organisms to respond to internal and external stimuli. Chapter 7 explores control and coordination, focusing on how the nervous system and hormones work together to maintain balance and ensure proper functioning of the body.

What is Control and Coordination?

Control and coordination refer to the mechanisms through which the body responds to stimuli, maintains homeostasis, and regulates physiological activities. These processes are carried out by two major systems:

  1. Nervous System
  2. Endocrine System (Hormonal Control)

1. Nervous System: The Body’s Communication Network

The nervous system is responsible for transmitting signals throughout the body. It coordinates responses to stimuli and controls bodily functions like movement, thought, and sensory perception.

Components of the Nervous System

  • Central Nervous System (CNS): Composed of the brain and spinal cord, it processes information and sends commands.

  • Peripheral Nervous System (PNS): Consists of nerves extending from the brain and spinal cord to all parts of the body. It relays signals to and from the CNS.




    (Caption: The brain, part of the central nervous system, controls all body functions.)

Neuron: The Functional Unit of the Nervous System

Neurons (nerve cells) are the basic units of the nervous system. They transmit electrical impulses to and from different parts of the body. A typical neuron has three parts:

  • Cell Body: Contains the nucleus and organelles.

  • Dendrites: Receive impulses from other neurons.

  • Axon: Transmits impulses away from the cell body.




    (Caption: Neurons transmit electrical signals across the body.)

Nerve Impulse Transmission

When a neuron receives a signal, it transmits the impulse through electrical signals. This signal travels across synapses (gaps between neurons) through neurotransmitters.

2. Reflex Action: Involuntary Response

A reflex action is a quick, automatic response to a stimulus. The path taken by the nerve impulse during a reflex action is called a reflex arc, which typically involves:

  • Sensory neuron (detects the stimulus)

  • Relay neuron (in the spinal cord)

  • Motor neuron (sends the response)




    (Caption: Reflex arc is a quick, involuntary response to stimuli.)

3. Endocrine System: Hormonal Control

The endocrine system regulates growth, metabolism, and other functions by releasing hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones affect various organs and tissues, leading to long-term changes in the body.

Endocrine Glands and Their Hormones

  1. Pituitary Gland: Known as the “master gland,” it controls other glands and regulates growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

  2. Thyroid Gland: Secretes thyroxine, which regulates metabolism and growth.

  3. Adrenal Glands: Release adrenaline, which helps the body respond to stress.

  4. Pancreas: Produces insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels.

  5. Gonads (Ovaries and Testes): Secrete sex hormones that control sexual development and reproduction.






    (Caption: The endocrine glands secrete hormones that regulate different bodily functions.)

4. Hormones and Their Functions

  1. Insulin: Produced by the pancreas, insulin helps in regulating blood glucose levels.

  2. Adrenaline: Produced by the adrenal glands, it increases heart rate, dilates pupils, and prepares the body for "fight or flight" responses.

  3. Thyroxine: Produced by the thyroid gland, it regulates metabolism and energy production in the body.



    (Caption: Hormones like adrenaline and insulin play key roles in the body’s responses.)

5. Coordination Between Nervous and Endocrine Systems

Although the nervous system provides rapid and short-term control, the endocrine system provides slower but longer-lasting control. Both systems work together to maintain homeostasis.

  • Nervous system: Coordinates immediate, short-term responses (e.g., muscle movement, sensory perception).
  • Endocrine system: Coordinates long-term processes (e.g., growth, metabolism, reproduction).

6. The Brain: The Control Center

The brain controls and coordinates all activities of the body. It is divided into three main parts:

  • Cerebrum: Controls voluntary actions such as thinking, reasoning, and memory.

  • Cerebellum: Controls balance and coordination of movements.

  • Medulla Oblongata: Controls involuntary actions such as breathing and heartbeat.




    (Caption: The brain is responsible for controlling all bodily functions.)

Conclusion

Control and coordination are essential for the proper functioning of an organism. The nervous system provides rapid control through electrical impulses, while the endocrine system regulates slower, long-term processes through hormones. Together, these systems ensure the body responds appropriately to changes in its environment and maintains homeostasis.

Did You Know?

  • The brain contains around 100 billion neurons!
  • Reflex actions are faster than voluntary actions because they do not involve the brain.

Image Sources

  • Neuron structure: Pixabay, Pexels.
  • Reflex arc diagram: Unsplash, Pixabay.
  • Endocrine glands: Unsplash, Pixabay.
  • Brain anatomy: Pexels.

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