NCERT Class 11 Biology Biology: Chapter 18 — Neural Control and Coordination
This chapter, Neural Control and Coordination, introduces the fundamental concepts of the neural system in animals, focusing on humans. It explains that coordination, essential for homeostasis, is achieved through the interaction of organs. The human neural system, divided into the Central Neural System (CNS) and Peripheral Neural System (PNS), provides rapid coordination, while the endocrine system offers chemical integration. The chapter details the structure of a neuron as the basic unit, comprising a cell body, dendrites, and axon. It outlines the divisions of the PNS into somatic and autonomic systems, with the latter further classified into sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. This chapter lays the groundwork for understanding how the nervous system facilitates quick and synchronized responses in the body, crucial for CBSE Biology learning.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | Biology |
| Book | Biology |
| Chapter | Chapter 18 — Neural Control and Coordination |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 574 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the necessity of coordination for homeostasis.
- Differentiate between neural and endocrine coordination.
- Identify the main parts of the human neural system (CNS and PNS).
- Describe the structure of a neuron as the functional unit.
- Explain the divisions of the Peripheral Neural System (somatic and autonomic).
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Homeostasis | The maintenance of a stable internal environment. |
| Coordination | The process by which two or more organs interact and complement each other's functions. |
| Neuron | A specialized cell that detects, receives, and transmits stimuli; the structural and functional unit of the neural system. |
| Central Neural System (CNS) | Includes the brain and spinal cord; the site of information processing and control. |
| Peripheral Neural System (PNS) | Comprises all nerves associated with the CNS. |
| Afferent fibres | Nerve fibres that transmit impulses from tissues/organs to the CNS. |
| Efferent fibres | Nerve fibres that transmit regulatory impulses from the CNS to peripheral tissues/organs. |
| Somatic neural system | Relays impulses from the CNS to skeletal muscles. |
| Autonomic neural system | Transmits impulses from the CNS to involuntary organs and smooth muscles. |
| Sympathetic neural system | A division of the autonomic nervous system. |
| Parasympathetic neural system | A division of the autonomic nervous system. |
| Nissl's granules | Granular bodies found in the cytoplasm of a neuron's cell body. |
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Practice questions
- What is the primary role of coordination in the human body? Answer: Coordination ensures that different organs and organ systems interact and complement each other's functions to maintain homeostasis.
- Name the two main parts of the human neural system. Answer: The two main parts are the Central Neural System (CNS) and the Peripheral Neural System (PNS).
- What are afferent and efferent nerve fibres? Answer: Afferent fibres transmit impulses towards the CNS, while efferent fibres transmit impulses away from the CNS.
- What are the three major parts of a neuron? Answer: The three major parts are the cell body, dendrites, and axon.
- What is the difference between the somatic and autonomic neural systems? Answer: The somatic neural system controls skeletal muscles, while the autonomic neural system controls involuntary organs and smooth muscles.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main function of the neural system?
The neural system provides a network for quick coordination and integrates activities of organs for synchronized functioning.
How is the human neural system divided?
It is divided into the Central Neural System (CNS) and the Peripheral Neural System (PNS).
What does the CNS include?
The CNS includes the brain and the spinal cord.
What is the role of the PNS?
The PNS comprises all nerves associated with the CNS and transmits impulses between the CNS and the rest of the body.
What are the two types of nerve fibres in the PNS?
The two types are afferent fibres (carrying impulses to the CNS) and efferent fibres (carrying impulses away from the CNS).
What are the subdivisions of the autonomic neural system?
The autonomic neural system is classified into the sympathetic and parasympathetic neural systems.
What is a neuron?
A neuron is the structural and functional unit of the neural system, specialized for transmitting stimuli.
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 11 Biology — Biology — Chapter 18 — Neural Control and Coordination. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.