Find the best tutors and institutes for Class 11 Tuition
Q8(a):
Differentiate between: (a) Myelinated and non-myelinated axons
Solution :
Step 1: Structural and Functional Definition
The distinction between myelinated and non-myelinated axons centers on the presence of a lipid-rich insulating layer known as the myelin sheath. This structure dictates the velocity of nerve impulse transmission, the metabolic demand of the neuron, and the mechanism of action potential propagation [Per the principles of neurophysiology].
Step 2: Comparative Analytical Table
| Feature | Myelinated Axons | Non-Myelinated Axons |
|---|---|---|
| Myelin Sheath | Present; formed by Schwann cells (PNS) or oligodendrocytes (CNS). | Absent; axons merely rest in invaginations of Schwann cells. |
| Nodes of Ranvier | Present at regular intervals where the myelin sheath is absent. | Absent. |
| Impulse Conduction | Saltatory conduction (jumping from node to node). | Continuous conduction along the entire axonal membrane. |
| Speed of Transmission | Rapid ($70-120 \text{ m/s}$). | Slow ($0.5-2.0 \text{ m/s}$). |
| Energy Consumption | Lower (less $Na^+/K^+$ pump activity required). | Higher (extensive membrane depolarization required). |
Step 3: Visual Representation of Myelination
Step 4: Mechanism of Propagation
- Saltatory Conduction: In myelinated axons, the insulating property of myelin prevents current leakage. Ion exchange (via voltage-gated $Na^+$ and $K^+$ channels) is restricted to the Nodes of Ranvier. This "jumping" mechanism drastically increases propagation speed [By the Saltatory Conduction Model].
- Continuous Conduction: In non-myelinated axons, the action potential must be regenerated at every contiguous segment of the axolemma. This creates a continuous wave of depolarization, which is significantly more time-consuming and metabolically taxing [Per the Hodgkin-Huxley model].
Final Solution: Myelinated axons are characterized by a discontinuous insulating myelin sheath and Nodes of Ranvier, allowing for high-velocity saltatory conduction, whereas non-myelinated axons lack these specialized structures, resulting in slower, continuous impulse propagation.
More Questions from Class 11 Biology Neural Control and Coordination EXERCISES
- Q1: Briefly describe the structure of the Brain
- Q2(a): Compare the following: (a) Central neural system (CNS) and Peripheral neural system (PNS)
- Q2(b): Compare the following: (b) Resting potential and action potential
- Q3(a): Explain the following processes: (a) Polarisation of the membrane of a nerve fibre
- Q3(b): Explain the following processes: (b) Depolarisation of the membrane of a nerve fibre
- Q3(c): Explain the following processes: (c) Transmission of a nerve impulse across a chemical synapse
- Q4(a): Draw labelled diagrams of the following: (a) Neuron
- Q4(b): Draw labelled diagrams of the following: (b) Brain
- Q5(a): Write short notes on the following: (a) Neural coordination
- Q5(b): Write short notes on the following: (b) Forebrain
- Q5(c): Write short notes on the following: (c) Midbrain
- Q5(d): Write short notes on the following: (d) Hindbrain
- Q5(e): Write short notes on the following: (e) Synapse
- Q6: Give a brief account of Mechanism of synaptic transmission.
- Q7: Explain the role of $Na^+$ in the generation of action potential.
- Q8(b): Differentiate between: (b) Dendrites and axons
- Q8(c): Differentiate between: (c) Thalamus and Hypothalamus
- Q8(d): Differentiate between: (d) Cerebrum and Cerebellum
- Q9(a): Answer the following: (a) Which part of the human brain is the most developed?
- Q9(b): Answer the following: (b) Which part of our central neural system acts as a master clock?
- Q10(a): Distinguish between: (a) afferent neurons and efferent neurons
- Q10(b): Distinguish between: (b) impulse conduction in a myelinated nerve fibre and unmyelinated nerve fibre
- Q10(f): Distinguish between: (f) cranial nerves and spinal nerves.
CBSE Solutions for Class 11 Biology Neural Control and Coordination
Chapters in CBSE - Class 11 Biology
- The Living World
- Biological Classification
- Plant Kingdom
- Animal Kingdom
- Morphology of Flowering Plants
- Anatomy of Flowering Plants
- Structural Organisation in Animals
- Cell – The Unit of Life
- Biomolecules
- Cell Cycle and Division
- Transport in Plants
- Mineral Nutrition
- Photosynthesis
- Respiration in Plants
- Plant Growth and Development
- Digestion and Absorption
- Breathing and Exchange of Gases
- Body Fluids and Circulation
- Excretory Products and Elimination
- Locomotion and Movement
- Chemical Coordination and Integration
Top Tutors who teach Neural Control and Coordination
Top Tutor
Besa, Nagpur
8 yrs of
Exp
10 hrs of classes completed
2000
per hour
Student's Home
Tutor's home
I believe in learning,When I am teaching I get a dual opportunity of learning as well as teaching. I always synthesis more on Power of Thinking, Which is followed by the act. I have experience conducting training sessions For the professionals as well the students. When I was in school,I have won prizes in many debate Competitions. I always motivate people to achieve their real dreams.
Super Tutor
H C Sarani, Kolkata
18 yrs of
Exp
9 students
2071 hrs of classes completed
500
per hour
Online Classes
Tutor's home
Students of 11th standard faces major challenges in three segments: 1) Boolean Algebra & Logic Gates 2) Developing the programming logic and 3) Database Management System 4) Java/ Python
I am very thankful to sir for making all the conceps clear and taught in a very fruitful way. Thank you so much sir. Highly satisfied.
Top Tutor
Dilshad Garden, Delhi
4 yrs of
Exp
3 students
967 hrs of classes completed
260
per hour
Online Classes
I am a Chartered Accountant by profession and have been teaching Commerce subjects—primarily Accounting and Economics—for the past 4 years. I work with BCom/BSc students and CA aspirants, helping them build strong conceptual clarity and practical understanding. Teaching is my passion and hobby, and I focus on delivering quality education by maintaining small group sizes (2–3 students at a time). This allows me to give individual attention, ensuring that every student understands the concepts thoroughly and gains confidence. My teaching approach is practical-based, designed to bridge the gap between academic theories and real-world industry applications. I emphasize how concepts are applied in actual business environments—both in private and public sectors—so students can connect textbook knowledge to real scenarios. I prefer conducting online, individual sessions to provide personalized support and address each student’s learning style and pace. I teach using a whiteboard for clear and visual explanations. For CA students, I recommend specific books aligned with the syllabus. For Class 11 and 12, I rely on their existing school books but provide additional notes or references on request to avoid overloading them. While I haven't pursued awards in teaching, the positive feedback from my students and their academic success bring me immense satisfaction. My goal is to make learning effective, relevant, and engaging for every student I teach.
Top Tutor
Govindpuri Shiva Colony, Jaipur
10 yrs of
Exp
7 students
1729 hrs of classes completed
500
per hour
Online Classes
Tutor's home
Experience of 10 years
Good teaching style and has well knowledge about his subject. Sir is very punctual about time and study
Top Tutor
West Marredpally, Hyderabad
20 yrs of
Exp
1 student
127 hrs of classes completed
500
per hour
Online Classes
Student's Home
Tutor's home
I love to teach physics for classes 11th and 12th. Solve numericals and explain the concepts clearly to students. I emphasize understanding of the concepts clearly and then attempt solving ot numericals.
Other Subjects in CBSE - Class 11
Download free CBSE - Class 11 Biology Neural Control and Coordination EXERCISES worksheets
Download Now
