Class 10 Science · Original EZT practice
Control and Coordination (Class 10 Science Chapter 6): how your body sends and answers messages
Touch a hot pan and your hand pulls back before you even feel the pain - your body just coordinated a response without asking your brain first. This chapter explains the two messaging systems that run the body - fast nerves and slow hormones - and how plants coordinate without either. Below: the ideas in plain words, then original EZT practice with worked answers. (Note: this is original practice, not a textbook exercise key.)
10 original worked examples, 10 fresh self-check questions, with explained answers. These are not copied textbook exercises, an official chapter index or a full answer key. No affiliation with NCERT is claimed.
Official sources for topic and edition context, checked 17 October 2026:
1. The neuron: the body's wire
A neuron is a nerve cell built to carry electrical impulses: dendrites pick up signals, the cell body processes them, and the long axon carries the impulse to the next cell. Sensory neurons carry messages in, motor neurons carry orders out.
2. The reflex arc: acting before thinking
A reflex is a sudden, automatic response that does not wait for the brain. The path is: receptor -> sensory neuron -> spinal cord -> motor neuron -> muscle. The brain finds out a moment later - which is why you pull your hand away before the pain registers.
3. The brain and its division of labour
The forebrain (cerebrum) handles thinking, memory, sensation and voluntary action; the midbrain relays signals; the hindbrain - including the cerebellum and medulla - keeps balance, posture and involuntary jobs like breathing and heartbeat running.
4. Hormones: the slow, chemical messengers
Endocrine glands release hormones straight into the blood. Adrenaline from the adrenal glands readies the body for emergencies (faster heartbeat, more glucose); thyroxine from the thyroid sets the metabolic rate; insulin from the pancreas controls blood sugar; growth hormone from the pituitary drives growth.
5. Plants coordinate too - with hormones and movements
Plants respond to light, gravity, water and touch using plant hormones: auxin makes shoots bend towards light. Quick movements like the touch-me-not's leaf folding come from changes in water pressure inside special cells - no nerves needed.
Choose, solve, check, then try a fresh question.
Before calculating, read the method prompt and name the condition that makes it useful. Write your own attempt. Open the steps only when you need them, and use the check to catch a wrong sign, unit or interpretation. Finish with the fresh question before reading its answer.
Arrange the parts in the order an impulse travels: axon, dendrite, cell body.
Choose the method: A neuron is a nerve cell built to carry electrical impulses: dendrites pick up signals, the cell body processes them, and the long axon carries the impulse to the next cell.
EZT practice question
Arrange the parts in the order an impulse travels: axon, dendrite, cell body.
Show the worked solution
- Identify the structure, signal, gland or movement named in the question.
- Trace the path or cause in order, from stimulus to response.
- State the final part, hormone or explanation with its role attached.
Answer: dendrite -> cell body -> axon.
Check: The named part, pathway, hormone or movement matches the stated stimulus and response.
Watch for this: Do not swap nerves and hormones: nerves are fast and targeted, while hormones travel through the blood and act more slowly.
Now try it yourself
Create one new example by changing the substance, activity or body response and solve it by the same test.
Check your answer
Keep the final result in your notebook; the page-level Try It prompts are intentionally answer-free.
The worked answer above shows the method; independent practice should not become another answer key.
What is the difference between a sensory neuron and a motor neuron?
Choose the method: A neuron is a nerve cell built to carry electrical impulses: dendrites pick up signals, the cell body processes them, and the long axon carries the impulse to the next cell.
EZT practice question
What is the difference between a sensory neuron and a motor neuron?
Show the worked solution
- Identify the structure, signal, gland or movement named in the question.
- Trace the path or cause in order, from stimulus to response.
- State the final part, hormone or explanation with its role attached.
Answer: a sensory neuron carries messages from sense organs to the spinal cord or brain; a motor neuron carries instructions from the brain or spinal cord to muscles or glands.
Check: The named part, pathway, hormone or movement matches the stated stimulus and response.
Watch for this: Do not swap nerves and hormones: nerves are fast and targeted, while hormones travel through the blood and act more slowly.
Now try it yourself
Create one new example by changing the substance, activity or body response and solve it by the same test.
Check your answer
Keep the final result in your notebook; the page-level Try It prompts are intentionally answer-free.
The worked answer above shows the method; independent practice should not become another answer key.
Why does the hand withdraw from a hot object before pain is felt?
Choose the method: A reflex is a sudden, automatic response that does not wait for the brain.
EZT practice question
Why does the hand withdraw from a hot object before pain is felt?
Show the worked solution
- Identify the structure, signal, gland or movement named in the question.
- Trace the path or cause in order, from stimulus to response.
- State the final part, hormone or explanation with its role attached.
Answer: the reflex arc runs through the spinal cord, not the brain - a shorter, faster path; the pain signal reaches the brain afterwards.
Check: The named part, pathway, hormone or movement matches the stated stimulus and response.
Watch for this: Do not swap nerves and hormones: nerves are fast and targeted, while hormones travel through the blood and act more slowly.
Now try it yourself
Create one new example by changing the substance, activity or body response and solve it by the same test.
Check your answer
Keep the final result in your notebook; the page-level Try It prompts are intentionally answer-free.
The worked answer above shows the method; independent practice should not become another answer key.
Name the five parts of a reflex arc in order.
Choose the method: A reflex is a sudden, automatic response that does not wait for the brain.
EZT practice question
Name the five parts of a reflex arc in order.
Show the worked solution
- Identify the structure, signal, gland or movement named in the question.
- Trace the path or cause in order, from stimulus to response.
- State the final part, hormone or explanation with its role attached.
Answer: receptor, sensory neuron, spinal cord (relay), motor neuron, effector (muscle or gland).
Check: The named part, pathway, hormone or movement matches the stated stimulus and response.
Watch for this: Do not swap nerves and hormones: nerves are fast and targeted, while hormones travel through the blood and act more slowly.
Now try it yourself
Create one new example by changing the substance, activity or body response and solve it by the same test.
Check your answer
Keep the final result in your notebook; the page-level Try It prompts are intentionally answer-free.
The worked answer above shows the method; independent practice should not become another answer key.
Walking a straight line after spinning is hard. Which brain part normally...
Choose the method: The forebrain (cerebrum) handles thinking, memory, sensation and voluntary action; the midbrain relays signals; the hindbrain - including the cerebellum and medulla - keeps balance, posture and involuntary jobs like breathing and heartbeat running.
EZT practice question
Walking a straight line after spinning is hard. Which brain part normally keeps your balance?
Show the worked solution
- Identify the structure, signal, gland or movement named in the question.
- Trace the path or cause in order, from stimulus to response.
- State the final part, hormone or explanation with its role attached.
Answer: the cerebellum, in the hindbrain.
Check: The named part, pathway, hormone or movement matches the stated stimulus and response.
Watch for this: Do not swap nerves and hormones: nerves are fast and targeted, while hormones travel through the blood and act more slowly.
Now try it yourself
Create one new example by changing the substance, activity or body response and solve it by the same test.
Check your answer
Keep the final result in your notebook; the page-level Try It prompts are intentionally answer-free.
The worked answer above shows the method; independent practice should not become another answer key.
Which part keeps your heartbeat and breathing going even in sleep?
Choose the method: The forebrain (cerebrum) handles thinking, memory, sensation and voluntary action; the midbrain relays signals; the hindbrain - including the cerebellum and medulla - keeps balance, posture and involuntary jobs like breathing and heartbeat running.
EZT practice question
Which part keeps your heartbeat and breathing going even in sleep?
Show the worked solution
- Identify the structure, signal, gland or movement named in the question.
- Trace the path or cause in order, from stimulus to response.
- State the final part, hormone or explanation with its role attached.
Answer: the medulla (in the hindbrain) - involuntary actions never stop.
Check: The named part, pathway, hormone or movement matches the stated stimulus and response.
Watch for this: Do not swap nerves and hormones: nerves are fast and targeted, while hormones travel through the blood and act more slowly.
Now try it yourself
Create one new example by changing the substance, activity or body response and solve it by the same test.
Check your answer
Keep the final result in your notebook; the page-level Try It prompts are intentionally answer-free.
The worked answer above shows the method; independent practice should not become another answer key.
Why does your heart race when you are suddenly scared?
Choose the method: Endocrine glands release hormones straight into the blood.
EZT practice question
Why does your heart race when you are suddenly scared?
Show the worked solution
- Identify the structure, signal, gland or movement named in the question.
- Trace the path or cause in order, from stimulus to response.
- State the final part, hormone or explanation with its role attached.
Answer: the adrenal glands release adrenaline, which speeds the heartbeat and raises blood glucose - the fight-or-flight response.
Check: The named part, pathway, hormone or movement matches the stated stimulus and response.
Watch for this: Do not swap nerves and hormones: nerves are fast and targeted, while hormones travel through the blood and act more slowly.
Now try it yourself
Create one new example by changing the substance, activity or body response and solve it by the same test.
Check your answer
Keep the final result in your notebook; the page-level Try It prompts are intentionally answer-free.
The worked answer above shows the method; independent practice should not become another answer key.
A person has abnormally high blood sugar. Which hormone and gland are involved?
Choose the method: Endocrine glands release hormones straight into the blood.
EZT practice question
A person has abnormally high blood sugar. Which hormone and gland are involved?
Show the worked solution
- Identify the structure, signal, gland or movement named in the question.
- Trace the path or cause in order, from stimulus to response.
- State the final part, hormone or explanation with its role attached.
Answer: insulin, from the pancreas - too little of it leaves blood sugar uncontrolled (diabetes).
Check: The named part, pathway, hormone or movement matches the stated stimulus and response.
Watch for this: Do not swap nerves and hormones: nerves are fast and targeted, while hormones travel through the blood and act more slowly.
Now try it yourself
Create one new example by changing the substance, activity or body response and solve it by the same test.
Check your answer
Keep the final result in your notebook; the page-level Try It prompts are intentionally answer-free.
The worked answer above shows the method; independent practice should not become another answer key.
A potted plant on a windowsill bends towards the light. Which hormone drives...
Choose the method: Plants respond to light, gravity, water and touch using plant hormones: auxin makes shoots bend towards light.
EZT practice question
A potted plant on a windowsill bends towards the light. Which hormone drives this, and how?
Show the worked solution
- Identify the structure, signal, gland or movement named in the question.
- Trace the path or cause in order, from stimulus to response.
- State the final part, hormone or explanation with its role attached.
Answer: auxin - it collects on the shaded side, makes those cells grow longer, and the shoot tips towards the light.
Check: The named part, pathway, hormone or movement matches the stated stimulus and response.
Watch for this: Do not swap nerves and hormones: nerves are fast and targeted, while hormones travel through the blood and act more slowly.
Now try it yourself
Create one new example by changing the substance, activity or body response and solve it by the same test.
Check your answer
Keep the final result in your notebook; the page-level Try It prompts are intentionally answer-free.
The worked answer above shows the method; independent practice should not become another answer key.
How does the touch-me-not (Mimosa) fold its leaves without nerves or muscles?
Choose the method: Plants respond to light, gravity, water and touch using plant hormones: auxin makes shoots bend towards light.
EZT practice question
How does the touch-me-not (Mimosa) fold its leaves without nerves or muscles?
Show the worked solution
- Identify the structure, signal, gland or movement named in the question.
- Trace the path or cause in order, from stimulus to response.
- State the final part, hormone or explanation with its role attached.
Answer: touch triggers water to leave special cells at the leaf base; the cells lose pressure (turgor) and the leaflets droop.
Check: The named part, pathway, hormone or movement matches the stated stimulus and response.
Watch for this: Do not swap nerves and hormones: nerves are fast and targeted, while hormones travel through the blood and act more slowly.
Now try it yourself
Create one new example by changing the substance, activity or body response and solve it by the same test.
Check your answer
Keep the final result in your notebook; the page-level Try It prompts are intentionally answer-free.
The worked answer above shows the method; independent practice should not become another answer key.
Try it yourself
Work these on paper before checking any notes. Answers are deliberately not shown here.
- Label the parts of a reflex arc.
- Which hormone controls blood sugar?
- Why are reflexes faster than voluntary actions?
- Name the brain part for thinking and the part for balance.
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Questions about this practice page
- What is a reflex arc?
- the automatic pathway - receptor, sensory neuron, spinal cord, motor neuron, effector - that produces a fast response without involving the brain first.
- How do nerves and hormones differ as messengers?
- nerves carry fast electrical impulses to exact targets for quick, short responses; hormones travel in the blood, act slowly and last longer.
- What does adrenaline do?
- prepares the body for emergencies - faster heartbeat, more blood to muscles, more glucose released - the fight-or-flight response.
- How do plants respond to light without a nervous system?
- the hormone auxin gathers on the shaded side of the shoot, lengthens those cells, and bends the plant towards the light.
- Are these the NCERT exercise questions for Control and Coordination?
- No. EZT pages are original practice on this chapter - use them to prepare for the textbook exercises, not as a substitute for your book.