Coordination enables the different parts of a system to work together in an efficient

and organised way.

Body coordination is the process which ensures the harmonious actions of various
organs and systems in the body to produce a coordinated response.

Coordination in our bodies is achieved through two systems:

(a) nervous system

(b) endocrine system

Nervous system deals with rapid but shortlived responses. It involves transmission of
electrical impulses along nerve fibres. . Endocrine system deals with slower but
longer-lasting responses. It involves secretion and transport of chemical substances.
Table 2.1 shows some of the activities that are coordinated through the nervous
system and the endocrine system.
Table 2.1
Nervous system Endocrine system
• Speech • Memory and thinking • Senses • Voluntary and
involuntary actions • Growth • Sexual maturity • Amount of water in the
body • Glucose level in the blood

7 Both systems of coordination are initiated by a stimulus and are ended with a
response.

8 A stimulus is something that brings about a response. There are two types of
stimuli:

(a) internal - for example, the change in blood sugar level

(b) external - for example, the pain felt when pricked with a needle

9 Response is the body's reaction to a stimulus such as removing one's hand

from a hot iron and salivating when seeing delicious food.

10 Body coordination occurs in stages which can be represented as follows:

SPM

Sensory |'07/pi

organ

Coordination centre

Response

^ Importance of Body Coordination

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1 Body coordination ensures the survival of humans and other organisms. For
example, the respiratory and blood systems work together to transport oxygen to all
parts of the body.

2 It helps humans to avoid situations which can endanger our lives. For
example, we will run if we are chased by a dog.

3 Body coordination ensures that various systems in our bodies work and
interact with perfect timing and in harmony. For example, if all the muscles in the
body contract at the same time, the body will go into a rigid state.

4 It also enables humans to adapt to the changing environment.

5 It helps humans to maintain hormonal balance in their bodies.

1 What is 'body coordination'?

2 Seeing a plate of mangoes on the table, Jane walks towards it and she starts
to salivate. What are the systems involved in these coordinated actions?

3 Gymnastics involves the use of many body skills. Which body system controls
coordination when a gymnast carries out his performance?

Human Nervous System

Nervous system as shown in Figure 2.1 controls and coordinates various organs and
parts of the body. It detects the stimulus and transfers information which results in a
response.

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2 Human nervous system is made up of:

(a) Central nervous system (CNS) which consists of the brain and spinal cord

(b) Peripheral nervous system (PNS) which consists of spinal nerves and cranial
nerves

3 Brain is protected by a bone structure called cranium while spinal cord is

protected by vertebral column (or backbone).

4 Central nervous system is connected to different parts of the body using

nerves. A nerve is a threadlike structure that contains many nerve cells.

5 Central nervous system acts as a centre for receiving information in the form
of electrical impulses from sensory organs and interprets the information.

6 Then, this information is sent to the effector organs concerned to carry out
responses.

7 Peripheral nervous system consists of nerves emerging from the brain and
the spinal cord.

8 Two types of nerves make up the peripheral nervous system:

(a) cranial nerves - there are 12 pairs of cranial nerves that originate from the
brain. The cranial nerves connect the brain to sensory organs such as eyes, ears
and internal organs such as heart

(b) spinal nerves - there are 31 pairs of spinal nerves that originate from the
spinal cord and are connected to sensory and effector organs in the hands, legs,
glands and the whole body (such as skeletal muscles) 9 Peripheral nervous system
is connected to the central nervous system. Information is constantly carried to and
from these twc systems.

10 For example, when a victim is chasing a thief electrical impulses are sent to the
victim' heart to beat faster so that more blood i supplied to the leg muscles. Impulses
are als< sent to the leg muscles to stimulate them t< contract so that the victim can
run faster.

. ^QamW^A j jg

Which of the following involves the nervous system? A Thinking

B Growth and reproduction C Control of blood sugar level D Control of blood osmotic
pressure.

Comments

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B, C and D involve the endocrine system while. involves the brain.

V Answer A

one (or nerve cell) as shown in ^raph 2.1 is the basic unit of the nervous

iructure of a neurone as shown in 2.2 is made up of:

ell body which consists of a nucleus d cytoplasm

ndrons and axons which end with tiny res called dendrites
2.1 A neurone as seen under a microscope
cell body
cytoplasm

myelin sheath
direction of a nerve impulse
dendrites
igure 2.2 Structure of a motor neurone
nes are not directly connected. There tween the end of one neurone and the another
neurone. This gap is known as
3 Nerve fibres that carry impulses away from the cell body are called axons.

4 Nerve fibres that carry impulses towards the cell body are called ii Ir .

5 Both the axons and dendrons branch at their free ends into smaller terminal
branches called dendrites.

6 In some types of neurones, the axon is enclosed with a thick layer of fatty
substances called myelin sheath.

7 Myelin shea h is a layer of fatty substances which acts as an insulator and a

source of food for dendrons and axons.

8 Myelin sheath is broken down at intervals. This helps to speed up

transmission of impulses along the axons.

There are three types of neurones:

(a) sensory neurones

(b) motor neurones

(c) relay neurones

10 Sensory neurones are connected to receptors or sensory organs. They

transmit impulses from sensory organs to the central nervous system. Examples of
sensory neurones are those found in the skin at the fingertips. These neurones
transmit impulses reacting to pain and cold.

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11 Motor neurones are connected to effectors (such as muscles or glands). They
transmit impulses from the central nervous system to effectors. This results in a
response.

12 Relay neurones are located in the central nervous system. They connect
sensory neurones to motor neurones and transmit impulses between these two
neurones.

Similarities between the three types of neurones are:

(a) they have a cell body

(b) they have dendrons and dendrites

(c) they can receive and send out impulses

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