How does your body react so quickly when you touch something hot, or how do you blink when something comes close to your eye? The answer lies in your nervous system—the body’s high-speed communication network that keeps everything coordinated. This chapter is a NEET hotspot because it involves NCERT-based concepts like neurons, nerves, human nervous system organization, and nerve impulse conduction. Understanding these concepts clearly will make your preparation stronger for NEET 2026 Biology. In this Note, we’ll break down the topic in a detailed, simple, and fun style with mnemonics so you can learn faster and remember longer.

Neural Control and Coordination – NEET 2026 Complete Notes

1. Neuron: The Basic Unit of Nervous System

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

Each neuron is specialized to receive, process, and transmit information in the form of electrical signals called nerve impulses.

Parts of a Neuron

Dendrites – Receive signals (like gossip collectors).
Cell Body (Soma) – Contains the nucleus; processes the information.
Axon – Transmits signals to the next neuron or organ (like a delivery agent).

Mnemonic:

“Don’t Call After midnight” → Dendrites, Cell body, Axon

Types of Neurons

Sensory (Afferent) Neurons: Carry impulses from receptors to CNS.
Motor (Efferent) Neurons: Carry impulses from CNS to effectors (muscles, glands).
Interneurons: Link sensory and motor neurons inside CNS.

2. What Are Nerves?

A nerve is like a multi-core data cable made of bundled axons.

Sensory nerves: Carry signals to CNS.
Motor nerves: Send commands from CNS.
Mixed nerves: Do both (multitaskers).

3. Human Nervous System – Major Divisions

Central Nervous System (CNS) – Brain and Spinal Cord
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) – Cranial and Spinal Nerves
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) – Controls involuntary activities (Sympathetic & Parasympathetic)

4. Central Nervous System (CNS)

A. Brain

The brain is the control center.

Forebrain:

Cerebrum: Intelligence, memory, voluntary actions.
Thalamus: Relay station for sensory impulses.
Hypothalamus: Maintains homeostasis, controls hunger, thirst, emotions.
Mnemonic: “Cool Teachers Hate Homework” → Cerebrum, Thalamus, Hypothalamus

Midbrain: Controls visual and auditory reflexes.

Hindbrain:

Cerebellum: Balance and posture.
Pons: Communication bridge.
Medulla Oblongata: Heartbeat, breathing, swallowing.
Mnemonic: “Cool Pretty Moms” → Cerebellum, Pons, Medulla

B. Spinal Cord

Cylindrical structure that connects brain with body.
Controls reflex actions and transmits messages.

5. Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

Includes cranial nerves (12 pairs) and spinal nerves (31 pairs).
Connects CNS to different parts of the body.

6. Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Controls involuntary activities like heartbeat and digestion.

Sympathetic Nervous System: “Fight or flight” – prepares body for stress.
Parasympathetic Nervous System: “Rest and digest” – maintains normal conditions.
Mnemonic: “Sympathetic = Stress, Parasympathetic = Peace”

7. Generation and Conduction of Nerve Impulse

The process of sending a nerve impulse is like sending a WhatsApp message:

Resting Potential: –70 mV (typing stage)
Action Potential: Na⁺ rushes in (+30 mV) → depolarization (hit send)
Repolarization: K⁺ moves out (reset stage)
Refractory Period: Short rest before the next message

Conduction:

Non-myelinated: Slow, continuous transmission.
Myelinated: Fast saltatory conduction (jumps between Nodes of Ranvier like a metro train).

Trick: Myelinated = Metro train, Non-myelinated = Walking

Synaptic Transmission: Neurotransmitters (e.g., acetylcholine) cross the synaptic cleft to the next neuron.

8. Quick Mnemonics Recap

Neuron parts: Don’t Call After midnight → Dendrites, Cell body, Axon

Forebrain: Cool Teachers Hate Homework

Hindbrain: Cool Pretty Moms

ANS: Sympathetic = Stress, Parasympathetic = Peace

NEET Highlights

Resting potential value: –70 mV

Action potential value: +30 to +40 mV

Number of cranial nerves: 12 pairs

Number of spinal nerves: 31 pairs

Fastest impulse conduction: Myelinated fibers (Saltatory conduction)

Conclusion

The nervous system is the body’s fastest communicator—quicker than any social media app! If you understand how neurons work, how impulses travel, and which part of the brain does what, you can easily score 4–8 marks from this chapter in NEET.

Thank You Note

Thank you for reading Neural Control and Coordination – NEET 2026 Complete Notes on Sciencecoat.com. We hope these notes, tricks, and mnemonics make your NEET preparation easier and more enjoyable. Keep revising, stay curious, and remember—success in NEET is all about consistent practice and clarity of concepts. Stay connected with Sciencecoat.com for more simplified notes and smart learning hacks!

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Neural Control and Coordination – NEET 2026 Complete Notes

Neural Control and Coordination – NEET 2026 Complete Notes