Class 10th Science Chapter 6 – Control and Coordination | Coordination in Humans

🧠 Control and Coordination

Coordination in Humans | Class 10 Science | CBSE + Foundation + Competitive

🧠 Coordination in Humans

1. Coordination in Humans – मनुष्य में समन्वय

Coordination means the orderly working together of different organs and organ systems so that the body can respond appropriately to changes inside and outside the body.

समन्वय का अर्थ है शरीर के विभिन्न अंगों और अंग-तंत्रों का मिलकर व्यवस्थित रूप से कार्य करना, ताकि शरीर आंतरिक तथा बाहरी परिवर्तनों के प्रति उचित प्रतिक्रिया दे सके।

Human coordination mainly involves:

• Nervous System – तंत्रिका तंत्र
• Endocrine System – अंतःस्रावी तंत्र

2. Two Major Systems of Coordination

Nervous Coordination	Hormonal Coordination
Uses electrical signals/nerve impulses.	Uses chemical messengers called hormones.
Usually very fast.	Usually comparatively slower.
Effects are often short-lived.	Effects may be longer-lasting.
Acts through neurons and nervous pathways.	Hormones travel mainly through blood.
Example: withdrawing hand from heat.	Example: growth controlled by growth hormone.

3. Overall Coordination Pathway

Animated Human Coordination Pathway

4. Nervous System – तंत्रिका तंत्र

The nervous system receives information, processes it and coordinates responses.

It consists broadly of:

• Central Nervous System (CNS) – Brain and spinal cord.
• Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) – Nerves connecting the CNS with different parts of the body.

5. Neuron – तंत्रिका कोशिका

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

Main parts:

• Dendrites: Receive signals.
• Cell body: Contains nucleus and maintains the cell.
• Axon: Carries nerve impulse away from the cell body.
• Axon terminals: Pass information to another neuron, muscle or gland.

Dendrite → Cell Body → Axon → Axon Terminal

6. Synapse – सिनैप्स

The junction between two neurons is called a synapse.

At a chemical synapse, the electrical signal in one neuron can cause release of chemical neurotransmitters. These chemicals cross the synaptic gap and influence the next cell.

Importance: Synapses allow one neuron to communicate with another neuron or an effector cell.

7. Reflex Action and Coordination

A reflex action is a quick, automatic and generally involuntary response to a stimulus.

Many reflexes are coordinated through the spinal cord.

Stimulus → Receptor → Sensory Neuron → CNS → Motor Neuron → Effector → Response

8. Brain as Control Centre

The brain receives sensory information, processes it and coordinates responses.

Important regions include:

Region	Main Function
Forebrain / Cerebrum	Thinking, reasoning, memory, sensory interpretation and voluntary actions.
Midbrain	Participates in certain visual and auditory reflexes.
Cerebellum	Balance, posture and coordination of movement.
Pons	Relay functions and contribution to breathing regulation.
Medulla	Important involuntary activities.

9. Hormonal Coordination – हार्मोन द्वारा समन्वय

Hormones are chemical messengers secreted by endocrine glands.

They are released into the bloodstream and transported to target tissues or organs.

Examples include:

• Growth hormone
• Thyroxine
• Adrenaline
• Insulin
• Reproductive hormones

10. Major Endocrine Glands

Gland	Hormone	Major Function
Pituitary	Growth hormone and others	Growth and regulation of several endocrine functions.
Thyroid	Thyroxine	Helps regulate metabolism.
Adrenal	Adrenaline	Helps prepare the body for stressful/emergency situations.
Pancreas	Insulin	Helps regulate blood glucose.
Testes	Testosterone	Male reproductive development and functions.
Ovaries	Oestrogen and progesterone	Female reproductive development and functions.

11. Nervous vs Hormonal Coordination

Feature	Nervous System	Hormonal System
Signal	Nerve impulse	Hormone
Nature	Electrical + chemical signalling	Chemical signalling
Speed	Generally fast	Generally slower
Duration	Often short-lived	Often longer-lasting
Transport	Neurons/nerves	Blood
Example	Reflex action	Growth regulation

12. Feedback Mechanism – प्रतिपुष्टि तंत्र

The endocrine system often uses feedback mechanisms to maintain appropriate hormone levels.

For example, when thyroid hormone levels are sufficient, feedback signals help reduce excessive stimulation of the thyroid axis.

This contributes to maintaining a stable internal environment called homeostasis.

13. Homeostasis – समस्थापन

Homeostasis is the maintenance of relatively stable internal conditions despite changes in the external environment.

Examples include regulation of:

• Body temperature
• Blood glucose
• Water balance
• Salt balance

Both nervous and endocrine mechanisms contribute to maintaining internal balance.

14. Coordination During a Dangerous Situation

When a person faces an emergency, the nervous and endocrine systems can work together.

For example, during sudden fear:

Stimulus → Brain → Sympathetic response → Adrenal glands → Adrenaline → Body prepares for emergency

Adrenaline can increase heart rate, breathing rate and blood flow to skeletal muscles.

15. 30 MCQs – Multiple Choice Questions

Q1. What is coordination?

A) Working together of different body parts

B) Digestion of food only

C) Removal of waste only

D) Production of blood only

Answer: A

Q2. Which two systems mainly coordinate activities in humans?

A) Digestive and respiratory

B) Nervous and endocrine

C) Skeletal and muscular only

D) Excretory and digestive

Answer: B

Q3. Which is the main control centre of the nervous system?

A) Kidney

B) Heart

C) Brain

D) Liver

Answer: C

Q4. The structural and functional unit of the nervous system is:

A) Nephron

B) Neuron

C) Alveolus

D) Platelet

Answer: B

Q5. Which part of a neuron usually receives signals?

A) Axon

B) Dendrite

C) Myelin only

D) Axon terminal only

Answer: B

Q6. Which part carries impulses away from the cell body?

A) Dendrite

B) Nucleus

C) Axon

D) Synapse

Answer: C

Q7. Brain and spinal cord together form:

A) PNS

B) CNS

C) Endocrine system

D) Muscular system

Answer: B

Q8. Which part of brain maintains balance?

A) Cerebrum

B) Cerebellum

C) Medulla

D) Pons

Answer: B

Q9. Which part is mainly associated with thinking and reasoning?

A) Cerebrum

B) Cerebellum

C) Medulla

D) Spinal cord

Answer: A

Q10. Which part controls many involuntary activities?

A) Cerebrum

B) Cerebellum

C) Medulla

D) Retina

Answer: C

Q11. Hormones are:

A) Chemical messengers

B) Blood cells

C) Digestive organs

D) Bones

Answer: A

Q12. Hormones are generally transported through:

A) Bones

B) Blood

C) Axons only

D) Air

Answer: B

Q13. Which gland produces thyroxine?

A) Thyroid

B) Pancreas

C) Adrenal

D) Testis

Answer: A

Q14. Insulin is produced by:

A) Thyroid

B) Pancreas

C) Pituitary

D) Adrenal

Answer: B

Q15. Which hormone helps the body respond to emergency situations?

A) Insulin

B) Thyroxine

C) Adrenaline

D) Growth hormone

Answer: C

Q16. Which gland secretes adrenaline?

A) Adrenal gland

B) Thyroid gland

C) Pancreas

D) Ovary

Answer: A

Q17. Which system generally produces faster coordination?

A) Endocrine system

B) Nervous system

C) Digestive system

D) Excretory system

Answer: B

Q18. Which system often produces longer-lasting effects?

A) Nervous system

B) Endocrine system

C) Skeletal system

D) Respiratory system

Answer: B

Q19. Junction between two neurons is called:

A) Synapse

B) Nephron

C) Alveolus

D) Villus

Answer: A

Q20. Which is an example of nervous coordination?

A) Growth

B) Thyroxine action

C) Reflex withdrawal

D) Insulin release

Answer: C

Q21. Which is an example of hormonal coordination?

A) Reflex action

B) Growth regulation by hormones

C) Nerve impulse

D) Blinking only

Answer: B

Q22. Homeostasis means:

A) Complete absence of change

B) Maintenance of relatively stable internal conditions

C) Digestion of food

D) Formation of bones

Answer: B

Q23. Which hormone regulates blood glucose level?

A) Insulin

B) Adrenaline

C) Thyroxine

D) Testosterone

Answer: A

Q24. Which hormone is mainly associated with growth?

A) Growth hormone

B) Insulin

C) Adrenaline

D) Thyroxine

Answer: A

Q25. Which region helps coordinate muscular movement?

A) Cerebellum

B) Medulla

C) Thyroid

D) Pancreas

Answer: A

Q26. Which part of nervous system carries information between brain and body?

A) Spinal cord and peripheral nerves

B) Stomach

C) Kidney

D) Liver

Answer: A

Q27. Which system uses hormones as chemical messengers?

A) Endocrine system

B) Skeletal system

C) Digestive system

D) Respiratory system

Answer: A

Q28. Which gland is often called the master gland?

A) Pituitary

B) Thyroid

C) Adrenal

D) Pancreas

Answer: A

Q29. Which process helps maintain stable internal conditions?

A) Homeostasis

B) Photosynthesis

C) Digestion

D) Respiration only

Answer: A

Q30. Which statement is correct?

A) Nervous coordination is generally fast.

B) Hormones never travel through blood.

C) Cerebellum controls reasoning.

D) Insulin is secreted by thyroid.

Answer: A

16. 2 Marks Questions – 2 अंक

2 Marks Q1. What is coordination?

Coordination is the orderly working together of different organs and systems to produce an appropriate response.

2 Marks Q2. Name the two major systems responsible for coordination in humans.

Nervous system and endocrine system.

2 Marks Q3. What is a neuron?

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

2 Marks Q4. What is a hormone?

A hormone is a chemical messenger secreted by an endocrine gland and transported, mainly through blood, to target tissues.

2 Marks Q5. What is homeostasis?

Homeostasis is the maintenance of relatively stable internal conditions of the body despite external changes.

17. 3 Marks Questions – 3 अंक

3 Marks Q6. Write three differences between nervous and hormonal coordination.

1. Nervous coordination is generally faster; hormonal coordination is generally slower.
2. Nervous signalling uses neurons; hormonal signalling uses hormones carried mainly in blood.
3. Nervous effects are often short-lived; hormonal effects may last longer.

3 Marks Q7. Write the functions of dendrite, cell body and axon.

Dendrites receive signals. Cell body maintains the neuron and contains the nucleus. Axon carries nerve impulses away from the cell body.

3 Marks Q8. What are the main functions of the cerebrum?

Thinking, reasoning, memory, interpretation of sensory information and control of voluntary actions.

3 Marks Q9. What are the functions of cerebellum?

It helps maintain balance and posture and coordinates muscular movements.

3 Marks Q10. What is the role of endocrine glands?

Endocrine glands secrete hormones into the blood. These hormones travel to target tissues and regulate processes such as growth, metabolism, reproduction and emergency responses.

18. 4 Marks Questions – 4 अंक

4 Marks Q11. Explain how nervous coordination takes place in humans.

1. Receptors detect stimuli.
2. Sensory neurons carry information to the CNS.
3. The CNS processes the information and coordinates a response.
4. Motor neurons carry commands to muscles or glands.

4 Marks Q12. Explain hormonal coordination with an example.

Endocrine glands release hormones into the bloodstream. Hormones travel to target tissues and regulate their activity. For example, insulin from the pancreas helps regulate blood glucose levels.

4 Marks Q13. Explain the role of brain in coordination.

The brain receives sensory information, interprets it, makes decisions and coordinates appropriate responses. Different regions control higher mental functions, movement coordination and involuntary activities.

4 Marks Q14. Explain the role of spinal cord in coordination.

The spinal cord carries nerve impulses between brain and body and also coordinates many reflex actions. It provides important pathways for sensory and motor information.

4 Marks Q15. Explain homeostasis and its importance.

Homeostasis maintains relatively stable internal conditions. It is important because cells and enzymes function properly only within suitable internal conditions. Nervous and endocrine systems help regulate temperature, glucose, water and other variables.

19. 5 Marks Questions – 5 अंक

5 Marks Q16. Describe the mechanism of nervous coordination in humans.

A stimulus is detected by receptors. Sensory neurons transmit information to the CNS. The brain or spinal cord processes the information and coordinates an appropriate response. Motor neurons carry the command to an effector such as a muscle or gland. The effector produces the response.

5 Marks Q17. Explain the role of endocrine system in coordination.

The endocrine system consists of glands that release hormones into the blood. Hormones reach target organs and regulate growth, metabolism, reproduction, blood glucose and responses to stress. Their effects are generally slower than nerve impulses but can last longer.

5 Marks Q18. Compare nervous and hormonal coordination.

Nervous coordination uses nerve impulses and neural pathways and is generally rapid. Hormonal coordination uses chemical messengers transported mainly through blood and is generally slower. Nervous effects are often short-lived, whereas hormonal effects can persist longer.

5 Marks Q19. Explain how nervous and endocrine systems work together.

The nervous system detects and rapidly processes changes, while the endocrine system can provide chemical signals for longer-lasting regulation. During stressful situations, nervous activity can stimulate adrenal glands, leading to adrenaline release and coordinated changes in heart rate, breathing and blood flow.

5 Marks Q20. Explain the importance of receptors and effectors in coordination.

Receptors detect changes or stimuli. Sensory pathways carry information to the CNS. The CNS processes information and sends motor commands. Effectors such as muscles and glands produce the final response. Thus, receptors and effectors form important links between stimulus detection and response.

20. 6 Marks Questions – 6 अंक

6 Marks Q21. Explain coordination in humans in detail.

Human coordination is achieved mainly through the nervous and endocrine systems.

1. Receptors detect internal or external stimuli.
2. Sensory neurons transmit information to the CNS.
3. Brain and spinal cord process and coordinate responses.
4. Motor neurons activate effectors for rapid responses.
5. Endocrine glands release hormones into the blood.
6. Nervous and hormonal mechanisms together help regulate body functions and maintain homeostasis.

6 Marks Q22. Explain the pathway of nervous coordination from stimulus to response.

Stimulus → Receptor → Sensory Neuron → CNS → Motor Neuron → Effector → Response.

The receptor detects the stimulus. Sensory neurons carry information to the CNS. The CNS processes it and sends motor instructions. Motor neurons carry the instructions to muscles or glands, which produce the response.

6 Marks Q23. Explain the difference between nervous and hormonal coordination in detail.

Nervous Coordination	Hormonal Coordination
Uses nerve impulses.	Uses hormones.
Generally rapid.	Generally slower.
Acts through neurons.	Hormones travel mainly through blood.
Often short-lasting.	Often longer-lasting.
Useful for rapid responses.	Useful for longer-term regulation.
Example: reflex response.	Example: growth regulation.

6 Marks Q24. Explain the role of the brain and spinal cord in human coordination.

The brain acts as the major processing and control centre. It interprets sensory information, supports thinking and voluntary actions and regulates several involuntary activities. The spinal cord carries signals between the brain and body and coordinates many reflex actions. Together they form the CNS and play a central role in coordination.

6 Marks Q25. Explain the role of hormones in maintaining coordination and homeostasis.

Hormones act as chemical messengers. They are released by endocrine glands into the bloodstream and act on target organs. They regulate growth, metabolism, blood glucose, reproduction and stress responses. Such hormonal regulation helps maintain relatively stable internal conditions or homeostasis.

6 Marks Q26. Explain coordination during an emergency situation.

During an emergency, sensory information is rapidly processed by the nervous system. The autonomic nervous system activates the adrenal glands, causing release of adrenaline. Adrenaline increases heart rate and breathing and helps redirect blood flow towards skeletal muscles. This prepares the body for rapid action.

6 Marks Q27. Explain the role of different parts of the brain in coordination.

Forebrain/Cerebrum: Thinking, reasoning, memory and voluntary actions.

Midbrain: Certain visual and auditory reflexes.

Cerebellum: Balance, posture and coordination.

Pons: Relay functions and contribution to breathing regulation.

Medulla: Important involuntary activities.

Together these regions allow complex coordination of body functions.

6 Marks Q28. What is homeostasis? Explain how nervous and endocrine systems contribute to it.

Homeostasis is the maintenance of relatively stable internal conditions. The nervous system can detect changes rapidly and coordinate immediate corrective responses. The endocrine system releases hormones that regulate processes over longer periods. Together they help regulate variables such as body temperature, blood glucose, water balance and other internal conditions.

6 Marks Q29. Explain the complete role of receptors, neurons, CNS and effectors in coordination.

Receptors detect stimuli. Sensory neurons carry information to the CNS. The brain or spinal cord processes the information and coordinates a response. Motor neurons carry instructions from the CNS to effectors. Muscles or glands act as effectors and produce the required response. This sequence allows the body to respond appropriately to environmental and internal changes.

6 Marks Q30. “The nervous and endocrine systems complement each other.” Explain.

The nervous system provides rapid and precise responses through nerve impulses. The endocrine system provides chemical signals through hormones, which are usually slower but may have longer-lasting effects. In many situations both systems operate together. For example, during stress, nervous stimulation can activate adrenal glands and adrenaline can produce widespread physiological changes. Thus, both systems cooperate to maintain coordination and homeostasis.

21. HOTS / Competency Based Questions

HOTS 1: A person touches a hot object and withdraws the hand immediately. Which system provides the rapid response?

Answer: The nervous system, through a reflex pathway involving the spinal cord, provides the rapid protective response.

HOTS 2: Why is hormonal coordination useful even though it is slower than nervous coordination?

Answer: Hormones can produce widespread and relatively long-lasting effects, making them suitable for processes such as growth, metabolism and reproductive functions.

HOTS 3: A person has difficulty maintaining balance but can think normally. Which part may be affected?

Answer: The cerebellum may be affected because it coordinates balance, posture and muscular movement.

HOTS 4: Why does the heartbeat increase during sudden fear?

Answer: During an emergency, sympathetic nervous activity and adrenaline prepare the body for rapid action, including increasing heart rate.

22. CBSE Golden Points – परीक्षा के लिए महत्वपूर्ण

⭐ Point 1: Human coordination is mainly controlled by nervous and endocrine systems.

⭐ Point 2: Neuron is the structural and functional unit of the nervous system.

⭐ Point 3: Dendrites receive signals; axon carries impulses away from the cell body.

⭐ Point 4: Brain + spinal cord = CNS.

⭐ Point 5: Cerebrum → thinking, reasoning, memory and voluntary actions.

⭐ Point 6: Cerebellum → balance, posture and coordination.

⭐ Point 7: Medulla → important involuntary activities.

⭐ Point 8: Hormones are chemical messengers.

⭐ Point 9: Insulin → blood glucose regulation.

⭐ Point 10: Thyroxine → metabolism regulation.

⭐ Point 11: Adrenaline → emergency/stress response.

⭐ Point 12: Homeostasis → maintenance of relatively stable internal conditions.

23. Quick Revision Table

Term	Quick Answer
Coordination	Working together of body parts.
Nervous System	Rapid electrical/neural coordination.
Endocrine System	Hormonal coordination.
Neuron	Structural and functional unit of nervous system.
Cerebrum	Thinking and voluntary actions.
Cerebellum	Balance and coordination.
Medulla	Important involuntary activities.
Insulin	Blood glucose regulation.
Thyroxine	Metabolism regulation.
Adrenaline	Emergency response.
Homeostasis	Stable internal conditions.

24. Super-Fast Revision

Stimulus → Receptor → Sensory Neuron → CNS → Motor Neuron → Effector → Response

Nervous System → Fast Coordination

Endocrine System → Hormonal Coordination

Cerebrum → Thinking

Cerebellum → Balance

Medulla → Involuntary Activities

Insulin → Blood Glucose

Adrenaline → Emergency Response

Homeostasis → Stable Internal Environment

🎯 Exam Trick:

यदि प्रश्न में “fast response / reflex / nerve impulse” आए → Nervous System

यदि प्रश्न में “chemical messenger / blood / long-lasting effect” आए → Hormone / Endocrine System

यदि “thinking / reasoning / memory” → Cerebrum

यदि “balance / posture / coordination” → Cerebellum

यदि “involuntary activities” → Medulla