Control and Coordination – Class 10 Science (Vocabulary Flashcards)

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from Control and Coordination, Class 10 Science Chapter 6.

Neuron

Basic structural and functional unit of the nervous system that transmits information via electrical impulses.

Cell Body (Cyton)

Part of a neuron containing the nucleus; processes incoming impulses.

Dendrite

Branched projection of a neuron that receives signals from other neurons.

Axon

Long fiber of a neuron that carries impulses away from the cell body.

Myelinated Axon

Axon covered with myelin sheath, allowing faster impulse conduction.

Non-myelinated Axon

Axon lacking myelin sheath; conducts impulses more slowly.

Synapse

Junction between two neurons (or a neuron and an effector) where impulses are transmitted chemically.

Sensory Neuron

Neuron that carries impulses from sense organs to the brain or spinal cord.

Motor Neuron

Neuron that transmits impulses from the CNS to muscles or glands.

Interneuron (Relay Neuron)

Neuron within the CNS that connects sensory and motor neurons.

Reflex Action

Automatic, rapid response to a stimulus without conscious thought.

Reflex Arc

Neural pathway followed during a reflex action, typically involving the spinal cord.

Central Nervous System (CNS)

Part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

All nerves emerging from the brain (cranial) and spinal cord (spinal).

Somatic Nervous System

Subdivision of the PNS controlling voluntary actions.

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)

Subdivision of the PNS regulating involuntary actions; includes sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Division of the ANS that prepares the body for intense physical activity (fight or flight).

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Division of the ANS that calms the body and conserves energy.

Forebrain

Anterior part of the brain, including cerebrum and diencephalon; responsible for thinking and memory.

Midbrain

Brain region connecting forebrain and hindbrain; controls visual and auditory reflexes.

Hindbrain

Posterior brain region comprising cerebellum, pons, and medulla oblongata.

Cerebrum

Largest part of the brain; centre for reasoning, memory, emotions, and sensory interpretation.

Diencephalon

Part of the forebrain containing centres for pain, pressure, and discomfort.

Cerebellum

Hindbrain structure coordinating muscle movement, balance, and posture.

Pons

Brainstem region relaying signals between various brain parts.

Medulla Oblongata

Brainstem part controlling involuntary functions such as heart rate and breathing.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Protective fluid cushioning the brain and spinal cord.

Meninges

Three protective membranes—dura mater, arachnoid, and pia mater—covering the CNS.

Tropic Movement

Directional growth movement in plants toward or away from a stimulus.

Positive Phototropism

Growth of shoot tips toward light.

Negative Geotropism

Growth of shoots away from gravity (upward).

Positive Geotropism

Growth of roots toward gravity (downward).

Hydrotropism

Plant growth response toward water stimulus.

Chemotropism

Directional growth response to chemicals, e.g., pollen tube toward ovule.

Thigmotropism

Growth response to touch; tendrils coil around support (positive thigmotropism).

Auxins

Plant hormones promoting cell elongation and apical dominance.

Gibberellins

Plant hormones stimulating stem elongation, seed germination, and flowering.

Cytokinins

Plant hormones that promote cell division and stomatal opening.

Abscisic Acid (ABA)

Plant hormone that inhibits growth and closes stomata; induces wilting.

Endocrine Gland

Ductless gland that releases hormones directly into the bloodstream.

Hormone

Chemical messenger produced by endocrine glands that acts on specific target organs.

Pituitary Gland

Master endocrine gland at brain base; secretes multiple hormones regulating other glands.

Growth Hormone (GH)

Pituitary hormone controlling body growth; deficiency causes dwarfism, excess causes gigantism.

Thyroid Gland

Neck gland producing thyroxine and triiodothyronine; regulates metabolism.

Thyroxine

Thyroid hormone controlling metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats; requires iodine.

Goitre

Swelling of the neck due to iodine deficiency and low thyroxine production.

Adrenal Gland

Gland atop kidney; cortex secretes cortisol/aldosterone, medulla secretes adrenaline/noradrenaline.

Adrenaline

‘Fight or flight’ hormone from adrenal medulla preparing body for emergencies.

Pancreas

Mixed gland producing digestive enzymes and hormones like insulin and glucagon.

Insulin

Pancreatic hormone lowering blood glucose; deficiency leads to diabetes mellitus.

Pineal Gland

Brain gland secreting melatonin; regulates sleep-wake cycles and seasonal rhythms.

Melatonin

Hormone influencing circadian rhythms and reproductive development.

Hypothalamus

Brain region linking nervous and endocrine systems; secretes regulatory hormones like dopamine.

Parathyroid Gland

Small glands on thyroid’s dorsal surface secreting parathormone to regulate calcium levels.

Parathormone

Hormone controlling calcium and phosphate balance; deficiency causes tetany.

Thymus

Gland above heart producing thymosin; important for T-lymphocyte maturation.

Thymosin

Hormone aiding development of immune T cells.

Ovaries

Female gonads producing oestrogen and progesterone.

Oestrogen

Female hormone initiating secondary sexual characteristics and reproductive organ development.

Progesterone

Hormone regulating menstrual cycle and maintaining pregnancy.

Testes

Male gonads producing testosterone.

Testosterone

Male hormone causing secondary sexual characteristics like deeper voice and body hair.

Fight or Flight Response

Physiological reaction driven by sympathetic nervous system and adrenaline during stress or danger.