Coordination in Animals – Lower Secondary
Curriculum (Uganda)
Coordination in animals refers to the way different body parts work together to respond to internal
and external changes. This process ensures that animals can sense, process information, and
react appropriately to maintain balance and survival.
1. Meaning of Coordination in Animals
Coordination is the process by which various organs and systems of an organism work together
harmoniously. In animals, coordination is achieved through the nervous system and the endocrine
(hormonal) system.
2. Systems Responsible for Coordination
•The Nervous System – uses nerve impulses for fast coordination.
•The Endocrine System – uses hormones for slow but long-lasting coordination.
3. The Nervous System
The nervous system is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. It detects stimuli, processes
information, and causes responses.
•Central Nervous System (CNS) – brain and spinal cord; controls and interprets messages.
•Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) – nerves connecting CNS to the rest of the body.
•Sense organs – detect changes in the environment (e.g. eyes, ears, skin, nose, tongue).
4. How the Nervous System Works
1. A stimulus (e.g. hot object) is detected by receptors in sense organs. 2. The message is sent as
an electrical impulse through sensory neurons to the spinal cord or brain. 3. The brain or spinal cord
processes the message and sends a response through motor neurons to effectors (muscles or
glands). 4. The effectors produce a response (e.g. withdrawing the hand).
5. The Reflex Action
A reflex action is a quick, automatic response to a stimulus that protects the body from harm. It
does not involve the brain directly but is controlled by the spinal cord.
Example: Pulling your hand away from a hot object.
6. The Endocrine System
The endocrine system controls coordination through chemical substances called hormones
produced by glands.
•Pituitary gland – controls other glands and growth.
•Thyroid gland – controls metabolism.
•Adrenal glands – help the body respond to stress.
•Pancreas – controls blood sugar using insulin.
•Ovaries (in females) – produce oestrogen and progesterone.
