CBSE Class 11 Biology Chapter 18 Neural Control and Coordination Worksheet with Answers

Quick Chapter Recap: Neural Control and Coordination

• Neuron: soma, dendrites, axon, myelin sheath, nodes of Ranvier.
• Synapse: synaptic cleft, presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes, neurotransmitters.
• Reflex arc: receptor → sensory neuron → spinal cord → motor neuron → effector.
• CNS: brain (forebrain, midbrain, hindbrain) and spinal cord.
• PNS: 12 pairs of cranial nerves and 31 pairs of spinal nerves.

Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

• Q1. Which part of the neuron receives signals from other neurons?
• Q2. The junction between two neurons is called a:
• Q3. Reflex actions are controlled by which part of the nervous system?
• Q4. Which of the following is an excitatory neurotransmitter?
• Q5. Myelin sheath is produced by which cells in the peripheral nervous system?
• Q6. The cerebellum is part of the:

Section B: Fill in the Blanks

• Statement 1: The neuron that carries impulses from the CNS to effectors is called a ________ neuron.
• Statement 2: The part of the brain that regulates body temperature and hunger is the ________.
• Statement 3: A ________ is a chemical messenger that transmits signals across a synapse.
• Statement 4: The protective covering around the axon that speeds up impulse transmission is known as the ________.
• Statement 5: The simplest form of response in which the sensory and motor neurons are connected via the spinal cord is called a ________ action.

Section C: Match the Following

• Column A: (i) Medulla oblongata, (ii) Cerebellum, (iii) Hypothalamus, (iv) Acetylcholine, (v) Dopamine, (vi) Reflex arc
• Column B: (a) Regulates heartbeat and respiration, (b) Coordinates muscular activity and balance, (c) Controls thermoregulation and osmolarity, (d) Neurotransmitter at neuromuscular junction, (e) Associated with reward and pleasure pathways, (f) Pathway for involuntary rapid response

Section D: Short Answer Questions (3 Marks Each)

• Q1. Draw a labelled diagram of a typical neuron and state the function of each part.
• Q2. Explain the mechanism of transmission of nerve impulse across a synapse.
• Q3. Differentiate between the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system.
• Q4. What is the role of the myelin sheath in nerve impulse conduction?
• Q5. Describe the sequence of events that occur during a reflex action with a suitable example.

Section E: Long Answer and HOTS Questions (5 Marks Each)

• Q1. With the help of a well-labelled diagram, describe the structure of a myelinated neuron. Classify neurons on the basis of function.
• Q2. Explain the organization of the human brain. Describe the functions of the cerebrum, cerebellum, and medulla oblongata.
• Q3. Compare and contrast electrical synapses and chemical synapses. Which type is more common in the human nervous system and why?

Case-Study Question: Application of Neural Control Concepts

Answer Key: Section A – Multiple Choice Questions

• A1. (A) Dendrites — Dendrites are short, branched projections of the neuron that receive electrochemical signals from other neurons.
• A2. (B) Synapse — A synapse is the junction between the axon terminal of one neuron and the dendrite or cell body of another, facilitating signal transmission.
• A3. (C) Spinal cord — Reflex actions are involuntary and processed at the spinal cord level without involving higher brain centers.
• A4. (A) Acetylcholine — Acetylcholine is a major excitatory neurotransmitter at neuromuscular junctions and many CNS synapses.
• A5. (B) Schwann cells — In the PNS, Schwann cells wrap around axons to form the myelin sheath; in the CNS, oligodendrocytes perform this role.
• A6. (C) Hindbrain — The cerebellum is located in the hindbrain, along with the pons and medulla oblongata.

Answer Key: Sections B, C, D, E and Case Study

• B1. Motor neuron (or efferent neuron) — Carries impulses from CNS to muscles or glands.
• B2. Hypothalamus — Regulates homeostasis including temperature, hunger, thirst, and circadian rhythms.
• B3. Neurotransmitter — Chemical messengers like acetylcholine, dopamine, serotonin, GABA.
• B4. Myelin sheath — Insulating layer that enables saltatory conduction, increasing impulse speed.
• B5. Reflex action — Involuntary, rapid, and automatic response to a stimulus.
• C: (i)→(a), (ii)→(b), (iii)→(c), (iv)→(d), (v)→(e), (vi)→(f).
• D1. Diagram should show: cell body/soma, nucleus, dendrites, axon, axon terminal, myelin sheath, nodes of Ranvier, Schwann cells. Functions: dendrites receive signals; soma integrates; axon conducts impulse; axon terminal releases neurotransmitters.
• D2. At the synapse, electrical impulse reaches axon terminal → calcium ions enter → vesicles fuse with presynaptic membrane → neurotransmitter released into synaptic cleft → binds to receptors on postsynaptic membrane → ion channels open → postsynaptic potential generated.
• D3. CNS: brain and spinal cord; processes information and coordinates responses. PNS: cranial and spinal nerves; connects CNS to limbs and organs; divided into somatic (voluntary) and autonomic (involuntary) systems.
• D4. Myelin sheath increases conduction velocity via saltatory conduction, reduces energy expenditure, and insulates axon to prevent signal loss.
• D5. Example: Touching a hot object. Receptor (thermoreceptor in skin) → sensory neuron → dorsal root ganglion → spinal cord (interneuron) → motor neuron → effector (muscle) → hand withdrawn instantly.
• E1. Myelinated neuron diagram: show soma, dendrites, axon with myelin sheath, nodes of Ranvier, axon terminal. Classification: (i) Sensory/afferent — receptor to CNS; (ii) Motor/efferent — CNS to effector; (iii) Interneuron — within CNS connecting sensory and motor neurons.
• E2. Forebrain: cerebrum (voluntary actions, intelligence, memory), thalamus (relay station), hypothalamus (homeostasis). Midbrain: reflex centers for visual and auditory stimuli. Hindbrain: pons (regulates respiration), cerebellum (balance, posture), medulla (cardiac, respiratory, vasomotor centers).
• E3. Electrical synapses: direct cytoplasmic connection via gap junctions; faster; bidirectional; less common. Chemical synapses: neurotransmitter-mediated; unidirectional; slower but allow signal modulation and plasticity; predominant in human nervous system because they enable complex processing and learning.
• Case Study: (i) (b) Unconditioned reflex; (ii) Acetylcholine; (iii) Reflex actions are processed at spinal cord or brainstem level for speed; cerebrum involvement would delay response; (iv) Flowchart: Stimulus (ball approaching) → Receptor (retina) → Sensory neuron (optic nerve) → Brainstem → Motor neuron (facial nerve) → Effector (eyelid muscles) → Response (blink).

How to Use This Worksheet for Maximum Benefit

• Simulate exam conditions: quiet room, 90-minute timer, no distractions.
• Self-assess honestly using the answer key; note your score for each section.
• Review NCERT explanations for every incorrect or guessed answer.
• Reattempt the worksheet after a week to measure improvement and retention.
• Discuss challenging questions with your biology teacher or study group.
• Use CBSETUTOR.ai for instant explanations, additional practice, and personalized learning paths.

Why Neural Control and Coordination Matters in CBSE Class 11 Biology

• High-weightage chapter: 6–8 marks in CBSE Class 11 Biology board exams.
• Foundation for Class 12 human physiology and NEET biology sections.
• Case-study and HOTS questions increasingly featured in CBSE exams from 2023 onwards.
• Develops understanding of structure-function relationships and electrochemical signaling.
• Essential for medical entrance exams: neuron, synapse, and brain anatomy are NEET favorites.
• Worksheet practice improves time management, accuracy, and conceptual retention.