Neural Control and Coordination

Neural Control and Coordination

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Jun 09, 2025 06:50 AM IST

Neural control and coordination refer to the coordinated action of the nervous system and endocrine system to regulate the internal environment of the body and maintain it. The nervous system facilitates rapid communication through neurons, which convey electrical impulses to coordinate both voluntary and involuntary movements. A neuron can carry impulses up to 120 m/s. These impulses are transferred through synapses, specialised contacts via chemical neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine and dopamine. Reflexes, or rapid automatic reactions to stimuli, function through a reflex arc that is normally composed of sensory neurons, spinal interneurons, and motor neurons.

This Story also Contains
  1. Important Topics of Neural Control and Coordination
  2. What is Neural Control and Coordination?
  3. The Nervous System
  4. Neuron Structure
  5. Organs of the Nervous System
  6. Reflex Action
  7. Neuronal Communication and Signal Conduction
  8. Synapse and Signal Transmission
  9. Recommended Video on Neural Control and Coordination
Neural Control and Coordination
Neural Control and Coordination


This chapter also discusses the organisation of the peripheral and central nervous systems. The central nervous system (CNS), brain, and spinal cord receive information and send out orders. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) consists of all tissues outside the CNS and is divided into the somatic and autonomic systems. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is subdivided into sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions that act in opposition to uphold internal stability. Collectively, these systems provide coordinated responses to internal stimuli as well as environmental alterations and assist the body in maintaining homeostasis.

Important Topics of Neural Control and Coordination

This chapter highlights major regions of the nervous system. The Central Nervous System (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord, is the primary command centre for information processing. The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) links the CNS to the rest of the body via nerves. The Autonomic Nervous System regulates involuntary functions such as heartbeat and digestion through its sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. The other notable concepts are reflex actions, reflex arc, synapses, and neurotransmission, which describe how the body reacts rapidly to stimuli. Hence, the important topics are:

  • Central Nervous System (CNS)

  • Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

  • Autonomic Nervous System

  • Important Concepts - Reflex Actions, Reflex Arc, Synapses and Neurotransmission

NEET Highest Scoring Chapters & Topics
Know Most Scoring Concepts in NEET 2024 Based on Previous Year Analysis.
Know More

Also Read:

What is Neural Control and Coordination?

Coordination is the mechanism by which two or more organs collaborate to help one another's function. For example, when physical exercise is undertaken, the oxygen and energy requirements of the body are increased by increased muscle activity. In the same way, the heart beats more rapidly, lungs labour more, and kidneys modify fluid balance, all coordinated by the nervous and endocrine systems. When the activity is over, these systems restore the body to regular functioning. This smooth adjustment explains how various organs collaborate through nerve impulses and hormones to keep the interior balanced and react effectively to shifting demands.

  • The nervous system facilitates fast communication through a point-to-point electrical signalling system.
  • The nervous system allows for quick responses through a point-to-point electrical signalling system.
  • Both systems cooperate and help in maintaining homeostasis and proper body coordination.
  • Functions such as exercise, stress reaction, and growth need to have close cooperation between nerves and 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 highly complex network that controls and coordinates bodily functions.

Components of the Nervous System

There are two broad categories of the nervous system. Both of them are discussed below in the table:

FeatureCentral Nervous System (CNS)Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
ComponentsBrain and spinal cordAll neural tissues outside the CNS (nerves and ganglia)
LocationWithin the skull and vertebral columnOutside the skull and vertebral column
FunctionProcessing and integrating information
control centre
Transmission of signals between the CNS and the rest of the body
ProtectionEnclosed by bones (skull and vertebrae) and meningesNot enclosed in bone
less protected
Type of NeuronsInterneurons (mainly)Sensory (afferent) and motor (efferent) neurons
SubdivisionNo further divisionsDivided into the Somatic Nervous System and the Autonomic Nervous System
Regeneration AbilityVery limited or noneSome regeneration is possible in peripheral nerves
Control TypeControls both voluntary and involuntary functionsActs as a communication relay for both voluntary and involuntary functions


Divisions of the Autonomic Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is an important component of the peripheral nervous system that governs involuntary activities like heart rate, digestion, and breathing rate. It is categorised into two primary divisions: the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. These two operate in tandem to keep internal equilibrium and react correctly to varying situations. Whereas the sympathetic system readies the body for coping with stress or emergencies, the parasympathetic system helps in restoring tranquillity and conserving energy during resting conditions. The comparison table for both of them is discussed below:

FeaturesSympathetic Nervous SystemParasympathetic Nervous System
Function"Fight or flight" response"Rest and digest" response
Effect on Heart RateIncreases heart rateDecreases heart rate
Effect on PupilDilates pupilsConstricts pupils
Effect on Digestive ActivityInhibits digestionStimulates digestion
Effect on Respiratory RateIncreases breathing rateDecreases breathing rate
Effect on the Urinary BladderRelaxes bladderContracts bladder
Neurotransmitters InvolvedNorepinephrine (primarily)Acetylcholine
Energy UsageConsumes energy (catabolic)Conserves energy (anabolic)
Origin of NervesThe thoracic and lumbar regions of the spinal cordBrainstem and sacral region of the spinal cord
Overall RolePrepares the body for action in stressful situationsRestores the body to a calm, restful state


Neuron Structure

The neuron is the functional and structural building block of the nervous system, nerve impulses transmitting, as a specialisation. It is composed of three components: the cell body (soma), which houses the nucleus and cytoplasm and performs metabolic activities in dendrites, which are branched projections that receive messages from other neurons and a sole axon, a lengthy fiber that transmits impulses away from the cell body to other neurons or effector organs.

In most neurons, the axon is sheathed with a myelin sheath that insulates the axon and accelerates signal transmission. The axon terminates in axon terminals or synaptic knobs, which secrete neurotransmitters in synapses to transmit signals to the following cell. The parts of neurons are discussed below:

All parts of neurons are discussed below:

  • Cell Body (Soma): Houses the nucleus and organelles; is where metabolic processes and processing of arriving signals occur.
  • Dendrites: Short, branch-like extensions that are receptive to signals from other neurons and direct them towards the cell body.
  • Axon: A single, long fibre that conducts nerve impulses away from the cell body to effectors or other neurons.
  • Axon Hillock: The cone-shaped region of the cell body where the axon begins is where the action potential is triggered.
  • Myelin Sheath: Fatty insulating layer enveloping the axon (in myelinated neurons), which enhances the velocity of nerve impulse transmission.
  • Nodes of Ranvier: Tiny gaps between segments of the myelin sheath facilitate saltatory conduction of impulses.
  • Axon Terminals (Synaptic Knobs): Branched terminals of an axon that secrete neurotransmitters to pass the signal to the subsequent cell.

Neuron structure


All three types of Neurons are discussed below:

Type of NeuronStructureLocationFunction
Unipolar NeuronOne axon, no dendritesEarly embryonic stagesPrimitive signal transmission
Bipolar NeuronOne axon and one dendriteSensory organs (e.g., retina, olfactory epithelium)Sensory signal transmission
Multipolar NeuronOne axon and multiple dendritesBrain and spinal cord (e.g., cerebral cortex)Integration and processing of information


Types and Functions of Axons

Axons are long extensions of neurons that carry electrical impulses to target cells. They are categorised as myelinated or non-myelinated axons depending on whether they have a myelin sheath or not, a fatty insulating structure. Myelinated axons allow for more and quicker conduction of nerve signals through saltatory conduction, which is mainly observed in the spinal cord and brain.

At the same time, non-myelinated axons do not possess this sheath and thus conduct impulses more slowly and are present primarily in the autonomic nervous system. This difference in structure significantly influences the speed and effectiveness with which the nervous system transmits.

FeatureMyelinated AxonsNon-myelinated Axons
Myelin SheathPresentAbsent
Conduction SpeedFast (due to saltatory conduction)Slow (continuous conduction)
AppearanceWhite (due to fatty myelin)Grey
LocationBrain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervesAutonomic Nervous System (ANS)
Node of RanvierPresent; impulses jump from node to nodeAbsent; impulse travels along the entire axon
Energy EfficiencyMore energy-efficientLess energy-efficient

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.

Human eye

Also Read:

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.


Human ear

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.


Reflex arc

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.

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.


Recommended Video on Neural Control and Coordination


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is neural control and coordination?

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.

2. What is the Central Neural System?

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.

3. Write down the elements that protect the brain.

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.

4. Write down the similarities between computers and the neural system. (Hint: CPU, output input devices)

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.

5. How can the CNS affect a person if he or she suffers a stroke in the back of the neck?

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.

Articles

Back to top