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NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 18 Neural Control and Coordination

Last Updated : 21 Aug, 2025

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 18, "Neural Control and Coordination," offers comprehensive answers and explanations to help students understand complex concepts. This chapter digs into the structure and functions of neurons, the central and peripheral nervous systems, and the mechanisms of neural communication. By using these solutions, students can enhance their knowledge and excel in their exams. Access these resources to master the intricacies of neural control and coordination effectively.s.

👁 NCERT-Solutions-Class-11-Biology-Chapter-18-Neural-Control-and-Coordination--(1)

Class

Class 11 Biology

Subject

NCERT Solutions Biology

Chapter

Chapter 18 Neural Control and Coordination

Academic Year

2024 - 25

Content-Type

Text and Images

Medium

English

NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chapter 18 - Neural Control and Coordination

Q1:  Briefly Describe the Structure of the Brain. 

Answer:

Structure of the Brain: 

The brain serves as the body's command and control center. It is shielded by the skull and has three meninges covering it known as Cranial meninges-The dura mater is a fibrous and thick membrane on the outside, the arachnoid is a fragile and thin membrane in the middle, and the pia mater is an extension of the brain tissue on the inside. This layer has a high blood supply and is quite vascular. Forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain are the three primary divisions of the brain.

👁 Brain
  1. Forebrain: It is divided into three sections, which are as follows:
    1. Olfactory lobes: These are a pair of very tiny, solid club-shaped entities that are far apart from one another
    2. Cerebrum - It is the largest and most complex. The cerebral hemispheres on the right and left of the brain are separated by a deep gap and are joined by the corpus callosum, a network of myelinated fibers.Diencephalon
    3. It encloses the third ventricle, which is a slit-like chamber. The thick right and left sides of this cavity are referred to as the thalami, its thin floor as the hypothalamus, and its thin ceiling as the epithalamus.
  2. Midbrain: It is placed between the thalamus/hypothalamus of the forebrain and the pons of the hindbrain. Its upper surface has two pairs of spherical extensions called corpora quadrigemina and two bundles of fibers termed crura cerebri.
  3.  Hindbrain:  It is made up of: 
    1. Cerebellum: The cerebellum is the second largest portion of the human brain. It is made up of two lateral cerebellar hemispheres and a central worm-shaped component called the vermis. The cerebellum has grey matter on the outside, which is composed of three layers of cells and fibers. It also has Golgi cells, basket cells, and granule cells.
    2. Pons Varolii: The pons Varolii is an oval mass that lies above the medulla oblongata. It is mostly made up of nerve fibers that connect various areas of the brain.
    3. Medulla oblongata: This structure extends from the pons Varolii above and connects to the spinal cord below. The midbrain, pons Varolii and medulla oblongata are referred to as the brain stem.

For More Information Read: Human Brain

Q 2: Compare the following:

  • (a) Central neural system (CNS) and Peripheral neural system (PNS)
  • (b) Resting potential and action potential

Answer:

Comparision between Central neural system (CNS) and Peripheral neural system (PNS) is given below:

AspectCentral Nervous System (CNS)Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)
LocationBrain and Spinal CordNerves outside the brain and spinal cord
FunctionProcesses and integrates information, initiates and coordinates responsesTransmits sensory information to the CNS and carries motor commands from the CNS to muscles and glands
ComponentsBrain and Spinal CordCranial nerves and spinal nerves
ProtectionProtected by bones (skull and vertebrae), cerebrospinal fluid, and meningesLacks bony protection; some protection provided by connective tissue coverings
Types of CellsNeurons and Glial CellsMostly neurons
Control of FunctionsControls voluntary and involuntary actions, thoughts, and emotionsPrimarily involved in involuntary actions and reflexes
Neurotransmitter ActivitySynaptic transmissionSynaptic transmission
Response TimeGenerally slower response time compared to the PNSGenerally faster response time compared to the CNS

Comparision between Resting potential and action potential is given below:

AspectResting PotentialAction Potential
DefinitionStable charge of a neuron at restBrief reversal of membrane potential
Membrane PotentialAround -70 mVRapid depolarization to around +40 mV
Ion MovementMaintained by ion gradientsRapid influx of Na+ and efflux of K+
Channels InvolvedMostly leak channels and pumpsVoltage-gated Na+ and K+ channels
StimulusSpontaneous occurrenceThreshold stimulus required
DurationPersistentShort-lived
Direction of Ion MovementMinimal movementRapid movement
Role in Neuronal SignalingEstablishes baselineMediates electrical signaling

Q3: Explain the following processes:

  • (a) Polarisation of the membrane of a nerve fiber.
  • (b) Depolarisation of the membrane of a nerve fiber.
  • (c) Transmission of a nerve impulse across a chemical synapse.

Solution:

  • (a) Polarisation of a nerve fiber membrane:
👁 Polarization of Nerve Fiber

When a nerve fiber is at rest, it is considered to be in a polarised state. The nerve fiber's membrane has a resting potential when it is polarised. The following steps occur during the polarization of a nerve fiber's membrane:

  • When a depolarised area of a nerve fiber first begins to become polarised, there are more K + ions outside the nerve fiber and a considerable amount of Na + ions in the axon membrane.
  • As the membrane region gets polarised, it becomes more permeable to K + ions and impenetrable to Na + ions and negatively charged proteins.
  • A sodium-potassium pump sends 3 Na + ions outside the axon and 2 K + ions into the axon via active transport.
  • Because of the flow of sodium and potassium ions, the inner side of the membrane becomes electronegative (negatively charged), while the outer side becomes electropositive (positively charged). This causes the nerve fiber to become polarised.

Also Read: Generation And Conduction Of Nerve Impulse

  • (b) Depolarisation of the membrane of a nerve fiber.
👁 Depolarization of Nerve Fiber

When a nerve fiber is activated, it is said to be in a depolarised state. The membrane of the nerve fiber undergoes an action potential when it is depolarized.

During the process of depolarisation of a nerve fiber's membrane, the following phases occur:

  • The axon has a higher concentration of K + ions in a polarised condition, while the concentration of Na + ions is higher outside the axon.
  • When a nerve fiber is stimulated, the permeability of the membrane for Na + ions and K + ions reverses.
  • The membrane becomes highly permeable to Na + ions.
  • There is a fast influx of Na + ions into the axon.
  • As a result, the inside of the membrane becomes positively charged, while the exterior of the membrane gets negatively charged.
  • Finally, the nerve fiber's membrane depolarizes and it experiences an action potential.

(c) Transmission of a nerve impulse across a chemical synapse.

👁 Synaptic Transmission
  • The membranes of the pre-synaptic and post-synaptic neurons combine to form a synapse.
  • A gap known as the synaptic cleft may or may not divide two synapses.
  • The synaptic cleft separates the pre-and post-synaptic neurons at a chemical synapse.
  • The calcium ions in the synaptic cleft enter the synaptic knobs at the axon terminals of the pre-synaptic neuron when an impulse reaches the axon terminal.
  • The synaptic vesicles in the pre-synaptic neuron's synaptic knobs migrate in its direction and fuse with the plasma membrane.
  • Acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, is released by the vesicles in the synaptic cleft. (Empty synaptic vesicles are filled when they return to the cytoplasm of the pre-synaptic neuron.)
  • The protein receptors found on the plasma membrane of post-synaptic neurons are where the molecules of acetylcholine bind.
  • As a result of this interaction, potassium ions exit the post-synaptic membrane and sodium ions enter the post-synaptic neuron.
  • This causes the membrane of the post-synaptic neuron to create an action potential, which then transmits the impulse to the post-synaptic neuron.

Q4: Draw labeled diagrams of the following:

  • (a) Neuron 
  • (b) Brain

Answer:

(a) The labelled diagram of Neuron is given below:

👁 Neuron Structure

(b) Brain

👁 Human Brain

Q5: Write short notes on the following:

  • (a) Neural coordination
  • (b) Forebrain
  • (c) Midbrain
  • (d) Hindbrain
  • (e) Synapse

Answer:

(a) Neural Coordination

Neurons are highly specialized cells that provide neural synchronization. The neurological system functions by nerve impulses and is made up of a network of point-to-point connections between the neurons and the organs. The input and the response—receptors, and effectors—are always coordinated by the neural system. Neural coordination carries out and manages every bodily function. The skin, among other organs, receives the stimulation, and a reaction is produced and conveyed to the muscles or glands. The brain system constantly stores the prior stimulus in memory. Running, walking, writing, and talking are examples of voluntary actions that benefit from neural coordination's control and symmetry.

(b) Forebrain

The cerebrum, thalamus, and hypothalamus are three components of the cortex.

  • Cerebrum: It is the major component of the brain. A fissure in the cerebrum divides the left and right cerebral hemispheres. The corpus callosum connects the hemispheres of the brain. The cerebral cortex is a layer of visible folds made up of cells that cover the cerebral hemisphere. Due to its greyish coloring, it is referred to as grey matter. Many areas of the cerebral cortex don't appear to have any sensory or motor functions. Association areas carry out a number of complex tasks, such as memory, communication, and intercessory associations. The fibers of the tract are shielded by the myelin coating in the center of the cerebral hemisphere. Because of its impenetrable aspect, white matter is so named. The association areas are in charge of memory, communication, and intercessional associations.
  • Thalamus: The Thalamus is a section of the cerebrum that wraps around the center of the forebrain. At this center, sensory and motor signaling are synchronized.
  • Hypothalamus: The hypothalamus contains a number of structures that control body temperature, hunger, and thirst. It is linked to the pituitary gland and regulates both growth and sexual behaviors.

Also Read: Difference Between Cerebellum And Cerebrum

(c) Midbrain

It is positioned between the pons of the hindbrain and the thalamus/hypothalamus of the forebrain The midbrain is connected to the brain by a passageway known as the cerebral aqueduct. The corpora quadrigemina, four circular lobes that make up the majority of the dorsal section of the midbrain, are present. The brain stem is made up of the hindbrain and midbrain.

(d) Hindbrain

Pons, cerebellum, and medulla make up the hindbrain. Pons is made up of fiber lines that link various brain areas. In order to accommodate more neurons, the surface of the cerebellum is extremely twisted. The spinal cord and the brain's medulla are interconnected. Respiratory, cardiovascular, and gastric secretion control centers are located in the medulla.

(e) Synapse

The membranes of the pre-synaptic and post-synaptic neurons combine to form a synapse. A gap known as the synaptic cleft may or may not divide two synapses. Electrical and chemical synapses are two different types of synapses.

Q6: Give a brief account of the Mechanism of Synaptic Transmission.

Answer:

A synapse is the junction of two neurons. It is separated by a cleft and exists between the dendrite of one neuron and the axon terminal of the following neuron. There are two ways synaptic transmission happens.

  1. Chemical Transmission: When a nerve impulse reaches the endplate of an axon, acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, is released across the synaptic cleft. This substance is created in the cell body of the neuron and sent to the axon terminal. Over the cleft, acetylcholine diffuses and binds to receptors on the membrane of the following cell. Depolarization of the membrane and the beginning of an action potential follow from this.
  2. Electrical Transmission: In this type of transmission, an electric current is generated in the neuron. The action potential that is brought on by this electric current results in the transmission of nerve impulses across the nerve fiber. This form of nerve conduction is more rapid than the chemical process.

Q7: Explain the Role of Na+ in the generation of the action potential.

Answer:

Due to the electrochemical gradient, sodium ions diffuse into the intracellular fluid from the outside. The membrane changes from being positively charged on the inside to being negatively charged outside as the potassium ions exit. The membrane is said to be depolarized as a result of the action potential, a quick shift in the membrane potential.

Read Also: Membrane potential

Q8: Differentiate between:

  • (a) Myelinated and non-myelinated axons
  • (b) Dendrites and axons
  • (c) Thalamus and Hypothalamus
  • (d) Cerebrum and Cerebellum

Answer:

(a) Myelinated and non-myelinated axons vs Non-myelinated Axons are:

AspectMyelinated AxonsNon-myelinated Axons
StructureCovered with myelin sheath, speeding up signal transmissionLack myelin sheath, slowing down signal transmission
Conduction SpeedFaster due to "jumping" action potentials between nodesSlower as action potentials propagate along the entire axon
Energy EfficiencyMore efficient with less ion leakage through myelinLess efficient with more ion leakage
ProtectionBetter insulation and protection against damageMore vulnerable to damage and signal loss
ExamplesFound in central and peripheral nervous systemFound in sensory neurons, especially for pain perception
  • (b) Dendrites and axons vs axons are give below:
AspectDendritesAxons
FunctionReceive incoming signals from other neuronsTransmit signals away from the cell body to other neurons or cells
StructureBranched extensions from the cell bodySingle, elongated projection from the cell body
SizeTypically shorter and more numerousLonger, with variable lengths
Direction of Signal FlowSignal reception towards the cell bodySignal transmission away from the cell body
Presence of MyelinUsually non-myelinatedCan be myelinated or non-myelinated
Synaptic TerminalsRarely have synaptic terminalsHave synaptic terminals at the axon terminals for signal transmission
Role in Neuronal SignalingIntegrates and processes incoming signalsTransmits signals to other neurons or effector cells
  • (c) Thalamus vs Hypothalamus is given below:
AspectThalamusHypothalamus
LocationSituated above the brainstemLocated below the thalamus
FunctionActs as a relay station for sensory information, directing it to the appropriate areas of the cerebral cortexRegulates homeostasis, hormone production, autonomic nervous system, and emotional responses
Hormonal ControlNot primarily involved in hormonal regulationControls hormone secretion through the pituitary gland
Role in Sleep/Wake CycleHelps regulate sleep and wakefulness indirectlyDirectly regulates sleep and wakefulness through the suprachiasmatic nucleus
Relationship with PituitaryNo direct connection with the pituitary glandDirectly connected to the pituitary gland via the hypothalamic-pituitary axis
  • (d) Cerebrum vs Cerebellum is as follows:
AspectCerebrumCerebellum
LocationLargest part of the brain, located in the uppermost regionLocated below the cerebrum, at the back of the brain
FunctionResponsible for higher brain functions including cognition, sensory perception, and voluntary motor controlCoordinates voluntary movements, balance, posture, and motor learning
StructureComprises two hemispheres connected by the corpus callosumConsists of two hemispheres with a highly folded surface called the cerebellar cortex
Gray MatterContains the cerebral cortex, responsible for conscious thoughts and information processingContains the cerebellar cortex, involved in integrating sensory and motor information
White MatterComprises nerve fibers connecting different regions of the brainComprises nerve fibers connecting the cerebellum to other parts of the brain and spinal cord
Motor ControlInvolved in initiating and coordinating voluntary muscle movementsFine-tunes and regulates motor movements initiated by the cerebrum
Cognitive FunctionsEssential for language, memory, attention, and decision-makingSupports procedural memory and motor coordination, but less involved in cognitive functions

Q9: Answer the following:

  • (a) Which part of the human brain is the most developed?
  • (b) Which part of our central neural system acts as a master clock?

Answer:

  • (a)The most developed part is the cerebrum.
  • (b)The central nervous system's hypothalamus serves as a master clock.

Q10: Distinguish between

  • (a) afferent neurons and efferent neurons
  • (b) impulse conduction in a myelinated nerve fiber and unmyelinated nerve fiber
  • (c) cranial nerves and spinal nerves.

Answer: 

  • (a) The difference between Afferent neurons and Efferent neurons are:
AspectAfferent NeuronsEfferent Neurons
Direction of Signal FlowCarry sensory information to the CNSTransmit signals from CNS to muscles/glands
FunctionSense external stimuliControl movement and glandular secretion
ExamplesSkin, eyes, ears sensory neuronsMotor neurons for muscles and glands
PathwaySignal travels to CNSSignal originates from CNS
Synaptic ConnectionsConnect with interneurons in CNSDirectly connect with target cells
  • (b) The difference between impulse conduction in a myelinated nerve fiber and unmyelinated nerve fiber:
AspectMyelinated Nerve FiberUnmyelinated Nerve Fiber
Conduction SpeedFaster due to saltatory conduction, where impulses "jump" between nodes of RanvierSlower as impulses propagate continuously along the entire length of the fiber
Energy EfficiencyMore energy-efficient with reduced ion leakage through myelin sheathLess energy-efficient with more ion leakage along the fiber
ProtectionProvides insulation and protection, minimizing signal loss and damageLacks insulation and is more susceptible to signal loss and damage
ExamplesFound in motor neurons and sensory neurons responsible for rapid responsesFound in pain receptors and sensory neurons requiring continuous signal transmission
  • (c) The difference between cranial nerves and spinal nerves are:
AspectCranial NervesSpinal Nerves
LocationArise from the brain and exit the skull through openings called foraminaEmerge from the spinal cord and exit the vertebral column through spaces between vertebrae called intervertebral foramina
Number12 pairs31 pairs (8 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, 1 coccygeal)
FunctionPrimarily innervate structures of the head and neck, controlling sensory and motor functionsInnervate the rest of the body, controlling both sensory and motor functions
CompositionMay contain sensory, motor, or mixed (both sensory and motor) fibersTypically mixed nerves containing both sensory and motor fibers
ExamplesOlfactory nerve (I), optic nerve (II), facial nerve (VII)Sciatic nerve, median nerve, ulnar nerve

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