Chapter 6 of Class 10 Science, titled Control and Coordination, explains how our body and other living organisms perform complex functions with the help of their nervous and endocrine systems. It introduces the concepts of coordination in animals and plants, focusing on how responses are controlled, how sense organs work, and how hormones regulate activities inside our body. From reflex actions to the role of hormones like adrenaline and insulin, this chapter gives a clear picture of internal regulation in living beings.
I’m writing about this topic because many students find this chapter confusing due to its mix of biology and physiology. It introduces terms like neurons, synapse, stimulus, feedback mechanism, and plant hormones, which need clear understanding rather than rote learning. This chapter often includes diagram-based questions and short as well as long answer questions in board exams. That’s why having a reliable PDF copy of this chapter is helpful — for revising concepts, labelling diagrams correctly, and brushing up points quickly before the exam. I’ve seen that once students understand how control and coordination actually work, especially in humans, the chapter becomes really interesting and scoring.
What’s Covered in Chapter 6: Control and Coordination
This chapter is divided into two broad areas — coordination in animals and coordination in plants. Below is a simple breakdown:
Coordination in Animals
- Nervous System
- Structure of neuron
- Reflex action and reflex arc
- Human brain (cerebrum, cerebellum, medulla)
- Transmission of signals
- Hormonal Coordination
- Endocrine glands and hormones
- Functions of hormones like insulin, adrenaline, thyroxine, growth hormone
- Feedback mechanism
Coordination in Plants
- Movements in Plants
- Tropic movements (Phototropism, Geotropism, Hydrotropism, etc.)
- Nastic movements (touch-sensitive movements like in Mimosa pudica)
- Plant Hormones (Phytohormones)
- Auxins, Gibberellins, Cytokinins, Abscisic Acid, Ethylene
This chapter also includes labelled diagrams of the neuron, human brain, and reflex arc, which are essential for exam preparation.
Why Understanding This Chapter Is Important
- Diagrams like human brain and neuron are repeatedly asked in CBSE board exams
- Conceptual questions based on hormonal disorders or reflex actions are commonly included
- Forms a strong base for biology topics in Class 11 and for NEET
- Enhances understanding of how both animals and plants adapt and survive using internal systems
During my own Class 10 preparation, I remember struggling with terms like synapse and feedback mechanisms. But once I began drawing the diagrams and relating the concepts with daily life examples — like how our hand pulls back instantly from a hot surface (reflex) — it made perfect sense. This chapter is not just theoretical but very relatable too.
Download PDF
Click here to download NCERT Class 10 Science Chapter 6: Control and Coordination PDF

















