Neural Control and Coordination

Introduction

Neural control and coordination is a crucial aspect of human physiology. Neural system is a well-organised network of point-to-point connections in the human body that allows for speedy coordination, while the endocrine system is responsible for chemical integration via hormones.

Coordination refers to the process by which two or more organs interact and complement one another’s functions. For example, when we exercise, the supply of oxygen and the demand for energy both rise as our muscular activity increases. When we cease exercising, our nerves, heart, lungs, and kidneys all return to normal. As a result, all of the organs’ functions are well coordinated to execute physical activity and provide appropriate circumstances during physical exercise. 

Similarly, in human bodies, the brain and endocrine systems work together to coordinate and integrate all of the organs’ operations so that they operate in unison.

Components of the Neural System

The neurological system of all animals contains highly specialised cells known as neurons, which are responsible for detecting, receiving, and transmitting numerous types of inputs. The nervous system arrangement in lesser vertebrates, such as Hydra, is quite simple, consisting of a network of neurons. It is better organised in insects, where the brain is made up of multiple ganglia and neural tissues. Outside of the central nervous system, ganglia are a collection of cell bodies. Vertebrates, on the other hand, have a more evolved nervous system.

Human Neural System

1. The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system. It’s also known as CNS, and it’s where information and control are processed.

The midbrain, cerebrum, cerebellum, brainstem, and medulla oblongata are all parts of the brain. The brainstem is responsible for critical activities such as temperature regulation and assists the hypothalamus in its function. Memory and cerebellar activities are aided by the cerebrum.

2. The bodily system and autonomic nervous system (involuntary) are both parts of the peripheral nervous system (voluntary). It consists of the two types of nerve fibres found in the CNS, namely afferent and efferent fibres.

The sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system are two subsystems of the autonomic nervous system. The first one kicks in when you’re in a fight, flight, or fight-or-flight situation (3F). The latter is active when the body is at rest or digesting.

Neuron: Structural and Functional Unit of Neural System

A neuron is a tiny structure that is made up of three major components: the cell body, dendrites, and axon. Neurons can be unipolar, bipolar and multipolar. 

• Body of the Cell: It has cytoplasm with normal cell organelles as well as Nissl’s granules, which are granular structures

• Dendrites: These are the short filaments that protrude from the cell body and contain Nissl’s granules. Dendrites are responsible for transmitting impulses from the cell body to the dendrites

• Axon: It is a long fibre with a branching distal end. Each of its branches finishes in a bulb-like structure known as a synaptic knob, which contains synaptic vesicles containing chemicals known as neurotransmitters that flow in a single direction

Myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibres are the two types of axons; the first ones are found in spinal and cranial nerves and are enclosed with Schwann cells. The spaces between two neighbouring myelin sheaths are known as nodes of Ranvier. Non-myelinated nerve fibre contains Schwann cells but does not produce a myelin coating around the axon. It is widespread in the ANS and SNS.

The neurons can be categorised into three types based on the number of axons and dendrites they have:

• Multipolar Neurons: It is present in the cerebral cortex and comprises one axon and two or more dendrites
• Bipolar Neurons: It is situated in the retina of the eye and consists of one axon and one dendrite
• Unipolar Neurons: It is a single-axon cell body that is discovered in the embryonic period

Generation and Conduction of Nerve Impulse

Excitable cells are known as neurons because they conduct electricity.Their membranes are polarised, and the axolemma, or neural membrane, contains many types of ion channels. Different ions selectively permeate these ions.

A neuron’s resting membrane potential is the state in which it is not conducting any impulses. Potassium ions (K+) are more permeable to the axonal membrane, while sodium ions (Na+) are practically impervious.

Things to Remember 

• The central and peripheral nervous systems are protected by a sturdy internal skeleton, such as the skull and spinal column, to limit the impact of damage caused by accidents
• Neurons in the peripheral nervous system transfer signals between the body’s many components and the central nervous system
• In contrast to other cells, a neuron is an organised and functioning component of the nervous system that is irregular in shape and capable of carrying electrochemical impulses
• The human body can conduct both voluntary and involuntary activities with the help of peripheral nerves
• The nervous system can be as small as a few hundred cells in worms to as large as 100 billion cells in humans

Conclusion 

Now that you have all of the necessary information about the neural control and coordination definition and many more. The brain and endocrine systems in our bodies work together to coordinate and integrate all of the organs’ operations so that they work in unison. For fast coordination, the brain system provides an organised network of point-to-point connections.

Control and coordination are essential for any organism’s survival. Each biotic creature needs nutrients and environmental conditions to survive, which may be achieved with the presence of control and coordination systems.