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NCERT Class 11 Biology Chapter 7 Notes Structural Organisation In Animals- Download PDF Notes

NCERT Class 11 Biology Chapter 7 Notes Structural Organisation In Animals- Download PDF Notes

Edited By Irshad Anwar | Updated on Apr 28, 2025 11:49 AM IST

The NCERT chapter 7 Structural Organisation in Animals gives the understanding of different animal tissues, organs, and organ systems. The tissues that are present in the body of an animal are of various types and perform different functions; their locations also differ. All these difficult concepts have been easily explained with the flow chart in NCERT Class 11 Biology Notes. Going through these can help you to grasp important and difficult topics in an efficient manner to score better marks on an exam.

This Story also Contains
  1. Detailed Notes for Chapter 7: Structural Organisation in Animals
  2. Most Important Questions Class 11 Biology Chapter 7 Structural Organisation In Animals
  3. Approach to Solve Questions of Class 11 Biology Chapter 7
  4. Chapter-Wise NCERT Class 11 Notes Biology
NCERT Class 11 Biology Chapter 7 Notes Structural Organisation In Animals- Download PDF Notes
NCERT Class 11 Biology Chapter 7 Notes Structural Organisation In Animals- Download PDF Notes

Organisms such as frogs, earthworms, and cockroaches are also included in these notes. Their complete anatomy and morphology have been provided most easily and effectively with labelled diagrams. It is important to know how this organism reproduces, respires, excretes, and carries out all the biological processes that are necessary for the survival of an organism that is completely covered in NCERT Notes for Class 11. These notes help you revise these major concepts given in the NCERT Book in a short period of time during CBSE Board exam preparation. Having revision notes and NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Biology Chapter 7 handy is beneficial to save you time. Understanding this chapter will help students not only to score good marks in upcoming exams but also in further competitive exams.

Also, students can refer to:

Detailed Notes for Chapter 7: Structural Organisation in Animals

Provided below are the notes of this chapter that helps to give a clear understanding how animals are structurally made and the components present.

Animal Tissues

In unicellular organisms, the single-celled body performs all functions. But in multicellular organisms, the body is made up of many types of cells, and the cell is the structural and functional unit of life. A group of structurally similar cells of common origin performing the same function is known as tissue. There are mainly two types of tissues: plant and animal tissue. Animal tissue is divided into four major classes based on their functions:

  • Epithelial tissue

  • Connective tissue

  • Muscle tissue

  • Nervous tissue

Epithelial Tissue

Epithelial tissues are sheets of cells that cover body surfaces. They perform many functions, such as protection, secretion, absorption, excretion, conduction, and sensation. Based on cell shape and number of cell layers, epithelial tissues are classified into two categories:

Simple Epithelial Tissue

It consists of a single layer of cells resting on a basement membrane. It protects the body cavities, internal organs, and ducts by acting as their lining. It is further divided into three types:

1- Squamous epithelium- It consists of a layer of thin, flat, scale-like cells with a nucleus. This epithelium easily exchanges materials by diffusion. It occurs in the alveoli of lungs, Bowman’s capsule and in the lining of blood and lymph vessels.

2- Cuboidal epithelium- The cuboidal epithelium consists of cells that appear in vertical sections. These cells are usually rounded and participate in secretion, excretion, and absorption.

3- Columnar epithelium- The cells of columnar epithelium appear rectangular in vertical section. Columnar epithelium is present in the large and small intestines with a border in the gall bladder.

Ciliated epithelium is columnar cells that have cilia on their free surfaces. The function of the cilia is to move particles or mucus in a specific direction over the epithelial surface.

Compound Epithelial Tissue

Compound epithelium consists of more than one layer of cells. Being multilayered compound epithelium has little role in secretion or absorption but it provides protection to the underlying tissues.

All the cells are arranged in such a manner that they have an intercellular space between them. There are three types of cell junctions:

  1. Tight junction prevents the entry of materials from one tissue to another.

  2. Gap junction allows the entry of certain ions and molecules across tissues.

  3. Adhering junction act as an intermediate to hold the tissues together.

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Connective Tissue

Connective tissues are the most abundant and widely distributed in the body. They are named connective tissues because of their special functions of linking and supporting other tissues/organs of the body. In all connective tissues except blood, the cells secrete fibres of structural proteins called collagen or elastin.

Loose Connective Tissue - This tissue has cells and fibres that are loosely arranged in a semi-fluid ground substance. Adipose tissue is an example of loose connective tissue.

Dense Connective Tissue -In this, the fibres and fibroblasts are compactly packed. The pattern of these fibres is an irregular one, and collagen fibres are present in rows. Tendons and ligaments are examples of dense connective tissue.

Specialised Connective Tissue- It consists of blood, bone, and cartilage.

Cartilage- It is a solid but semi-rigid and flexible connective tissue. The cells of cartilage are known as chondrocytes. They are oval and often lie in groups of 2 or 3 in spaces present within the matrix.

Bone- Bone is highly hard,and rigid connective tissue. It is very strong and can withstand severe stress such as bending, twisting etc.

Blood- Blood is a transport medium of the body. It is an extremely complex substance carrying a wide variety of cells and substances to all areas of the body.

Muscle Tissue

Muscle tissue contracts and relaxes to provide movement of limbs and internal organs, and is also helpful in the locomotion of the organism. Based on structure, location, and functions, muscles are classified into three types:

Skeletal muscles- This type of muscles mainly occur in association with bones and about body wall. These muscles, normally made to contract according to our will, are also known as voluntary muscles.

Smooth muscles- These muscles are found in the walls of hollow tubes of the stomach, small intestine and large intestine, urinary bladder, and blood vessels. These are also known as visceral muscles.

Cardiac muscles- These muscles are only present in the heart. They resemble smooth muscles in being involuntary.

Neural Tissue

The nervous system is mainly made up of these types of tissues and has the special property of being able to conduct impulses rapidly from one part of the body to another.

tissues

Organ and Organ System

The tissue of two or more types combine to form an organ. An organ is an organised part of the body that performs one or more special functions. Several organs combine for a common function to constitute an organ system.

The external and internal features of the three organisms are mentioned.

Earthworm

Earthworms are soft bodies, segmented worms that live in soil and play an important role in maintaining soil fertility. Its scientific name is Pheretima Posthuma.

Morphology

The morphology of earthworms includes their long, cylindrical, and segmented bodies, which are usually brown or reddish. The body is divided into 100-120 segments. Hence, the segments can be divided into three:

1-Preclitellar segments

2-Clitellar segments

3-Post-clitellar segments

The first segment contains the mouth and last segment consist of anus. There is a female genital pore in the 14th segment and a pair of male genital pores in the 18th segment. Their moist skin allows them to breathe by absorbing oxygen directly from their surroundings.

Anatomy

The digestive system of earthworms is a straight, tubular structure extending from the mouth to the anus. Food is ingested through the mouth and passes into the pharynx, where it is lubricated with mucus. The mouth and the buccal cavity lie in the 1st- 3rd segments, and the oesophagus lies in the 5th- 7th segments. The stomach with calciferous glands (to neutralise the humic acid) extends from 9-14 segments, which are followed by the intestines, which extend from 15 to the last segment. Earthworms have a closed circulatory system that transports nutrients and oxygen throughout the body. Oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange occur directly through the moist skin.

The nervous system is relatively simple but well-organised. A pair of cerebral ganglia is located near the anterior end. A ventral nerve cord runs along the length of the body, coordinating movement and responding to external stimuli. Earthworms do not have specialised respiratory organs. Instead, they breathe through their skin. Oxygen diffuses directly across the skin into the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide is released in the same manner. Earthworms are hermaphrodites, meaning they possess both male and female reproductive organs. However, cross-fertilisation occurs during copulation. Fertilisation and development take place in the cocoons, which in turn are deposited in the soil.

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Cockroach

The cockroach, Periplaneta americana is a common natural, omnivorous, household pest which is commonly found in warm damp places. The morphology and anatomy of a cockroach are described in the NCERT Class 11 biology Chapter 7 Notes.

Morphology

1. Body Shape and Size:

  • The cockroach has a flat, oval-shaped body..
  • It is usually brown or reddish-brown in colour.
  • An adult cockroach is about 2-4 cm long.

2. Body Division: The cockroach’s body is divided into three parts:

-Head, which is small and triangular.

  • It has a pair of long antennae that help detect smells.

  • The head has compound eyes for detecting movement and light.

  • It has mouth parts which is used for chewing.

- The thorax is the middle part with three segments.

  • Each segment has a pair of legs (a total of 6 legs), which help in fast movement.

  • The second and third segments have a pair of wings (forewings and hindwings), which help in flying.

- Abdomen: The largest part, made up of 10 segments.

  • It has small holes for breathing and the anus at the end.

Anatomy

The anatomy of a cockroach includes different systems that help it survive and function efficiently. The digestive system starts from the mouth, which leads to a long, tube-like structure. Food is stored in the crop and then crushed in the gizzard before digestion and absorption take place in the intestine. The respiratory system consists of small openings called spiracles present on the sides of the body, which connect to a network of tubes called the trachea. The cockroach has an open blood circulation system. Blood transported from the sinuses enters the heart and then returns to the sinuses again. Internal organs are located in the haemolymph (blood).

The nervous system spreads throughout the entire body of the cockroach and consists of fused ganglia. The excretory system removes waste with the help of Malpighian tubules, which filter out waste from the blood. The reproductive system is well-developed, and cockroaches reproduce sexually. Female cockroaches produce egg cases called oothecae, each containing several eggs. All these systems work together to ensure the survival and adaptability of the cockroach in various environments.

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Frog

Frogs are amphibians that live both on land and in water. They have smooth and moist skin. These are cold-blooded animals and undergo metamorphosis. The morphology and anatomy of frogs are described in the NCERT Class 11 biology Chapter 7 Notes.

Morphology

The morphology of a frog includes its external structure and body shape. A frog has smooth, moist skin that is usually green or brown, allowing it to blend with its surroundings. Its body is divided into the head and trunk. Frogs have large eyes and a pair of nostrils. Frogs have strong hind limbs that are longer than the front limbs, which help them jump long distances and swim effectively.

Anatomy

The anatomy of a frog includes various systems that help it survive in both land and water. The digestive system consists of a short alimentary canal, digestive glands, mouth, tongue, buccal cavity, oesophagus, pharynx, stomach, intestine, rectum, and cloaca. The respiratory system allows frogs to breathe through their lungs on land and through their moist skin in water.

The circulatory system is well-developed, with a three-chambered heart that pumps blood to the body and lungs. The nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord, as well as cranial and spinal nerves, which control movement and responses. The sensory organs include the organs of touch, hearing, smell, vision, and taste.

Frogs also have a well-developed excretory system, with kidneys that filter waste from the blood. The male reproductive system consists of a pair of testes above the kidneys, vasa efferentia, and the Bidder’s canal. The female reproductive system includes the ovaries and oviducts. It undergoes external fertilisation and indirect development.

Digestive System of the Frog

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Subject-Wise NCERT Exemplar Solutions

Most Important Questions Class 11 Biology Chapter 7 Structural Organisation In Animals

Biomolecules are essential organic compounds such as carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, which form the basis of structure and function in all living organisms. Understanding their types, structure, and functions is crucial for mastering this chapter.

Q1. Which of the following is a reducing sugar?
A. Galactose
B. Gluconic acid
C. Sucrose
D. β-methyl galactosidase

Answer:
Galactose is a reducing sugar because it has a free aldehyde group or a potential aldehyde group that can reduce other substances.
Hence, the correct option is A. Galactose.

Q2. The most abundant RNA in the cell is
A. rRNA
B. mRNA
C. tRNA
D. tRNA threonine

Answer:
Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) is the most abundant type of RNA in the cell, forming the structural and functional core of ribosomes.
Hence, the correct option is A. rRNA.

Q3. Formation of complex substances from simpler compounds is called as
A. Anabolic pathway
B. Catabolic pathway
C. Degradation pathway
D. Metabolic pathway

Answer:
Anabolic pathway refers to the biosynthesis of complex molecules from simpler ones, usually requiring energy.
Hence, the correct option is A. Anabolic pathway.

Q4. Name the simplest amino acid.
A. Alanine
B. Tyrosine
C. Asparagine
D. Glycine

Answer:
Glycine is the simplest amino acid, having a single hydrogen atom as its side chain.
Hence, the correct option is D. Glycine.

Q5. Glycogen is a polymer of
A. Galactose
B. Glucose
C. Protein
D. Fructose

Answer:
Glycogen is a storage polysaccharide in animals, composed entirely of glucose units.
Hence, the correct option is B. Glucose

Subject-Wise NCERT Solutions

Approach to Solve Questions of Class 11 Biology Chapter 7

To answer Structural Organisation In Animals questions well, adopt this easy-to-follow approach:

  1. Read and learn the four major animal tissues: epithelial, connective, muscular, and neural, their structure, location, and functions.
  2. Learn the fundamentals of organ and organ system organization-how tissues become organs and organs become systems, using examples such as the heart with all four tissue types.
  3. Study the morphology (external features) and anatomy (internal structure) of the earthworm, cockroach, and frog, using diagrams and major identifying features.
  4. Practice diagram drawing and labelling diagrams of the tissues, organs, and body parts of the earthworm, cockroach, and frog, since they are frequently asked in exams.
  5. Rework NCERT textbook questions and previous years' papers to become familiarised with the kind of questions being asked, particularly application-based and diagram-based questions

Chapter-Wise NCERT Class 11 Notes Biology

The chapterwise notes are given below:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Structural organization in Animals in Class 11 Biology?

Structural organization in Animals refers to the arrangement of cells, tissues, organs and organ systems that work together to maintain the body. It starts at the cellular level and then these cells form tissues. Tissues combine to form organ such as heart and many organs work together to form organ system.

2. What are the different types of tissues in animals?

There are mainly four types of animal tissues which are described in  NCERT Class 11 Biology chapter 7 notes: epithelial tissue, connective tissue, muscular tissue, and neural tissue.

3. What are epithelial tissues? Explain their types with examples.

Epithelial tissue forms the protective covering of the body and lines internal organs and cavities. It is involved in functions like protection, absorption, secretion, and filtration. There are three main types:

1. Squamous Epithelium: Made of thin, flat cells, allowing easy diffusion. Example: Lining of blood vessels and alveoli of lungs.

2. Cuboidal Epithelium: Composed of cube-shaped cells that aid in secretion and absorption. Example: Lining of kidney tubules and ducts of glands.

3. Columnar Epithelium: Consists of tall, column-like cells that help in absorption and secretion. Example: Lining of the intestine and stomach.

4. How do connective tissues function in animals?

Connective tissues provide support, bind tissues, and protect organs in animals. They include tendons and ligaments for strength, adipose tissue for cushioning, blood for transport, and bone and cartilage for structure and movement. These tissues maintain the body’s structural pattern and function.

5. What are the different types of muscular tissues in animals?

Muscular tissues allow movement in body and include:  

1. Skeletal Muscle: These muscles are voluntary, attached to bones example limb muscles.

2. Smooth Muscle: These muscles are involuntary and found in organs such as intestines.  

3. Cardiac Muscle: Involuntary in nature and found in the heart and helps in pumping blood.

6. What is the function of nervous tissue in animals?

Nervous tissue transmits signals, controls body functions, and responds to stimuli. It includes neurons for impulse conduction and glial cells for support, ensuring coordination and maintaining homeostasis.

7. What are the characteristics of simple and complex tissues?

Simple tissues are composed of a single type of cell that performs basic functions such as storage, support, and protection. Examples include parenchyma and collenchyma.

Complex tissues consist of multiple cell types that work together to perform specialized functions. Xylem that transports water and minerals from roots to other parts of the plant is the example of complex tissue.

8. How is the anatomy of an earthworm explained in Class 11 Biology?

According to Class 11 Biology Earthworms have a segmented, cylindrical body with a prostomium for burrowing and a clitellum for reproduction. Internally, they have a digestive system (mouth to anus), a closed circulatory system with  arches, and a nervous system with cerebral ganglia and a ventral nerve cord. They breathe through moist skin and are hermaphrodites, contributing to soil fertility.

9. What is the body structure of a cockroach as per NCERT Class 11 Biology?

Body Structure of a Cockroach:The cockroach’s body is divided into head, thorax, and abdomen. The head has compound eyes, antennae, and chewing mouthparts. The thorax has three pairs of legs and two pairs of wings. The abdomen contains reproductive organs and spiracles for respiration. The exoskeleton protects and supports movement.

10. Explain the nervous system of a frog as given in NCERT Class 11.

Nervous System of a Frog: It includes the Central Nervous Sytem (brain and spinal cord), Peripheral Nervous System (cranial and spinal nerves), and Autonomic Nervous System (involuntary actions). The brain is divided into forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain, controlling sensory, motor, and regulatory functions.

11. How does the circulatory system function in a cockroach?

Circulatory System of a Cockroach: It is an open system where blood flows freely in body cavities. The heart has 13 chambers that pump hemolymph, which carries nutrients but not oxygen. Oxygen is transported through the tracheal system.

12. What is the excretory system of an earthworm?

Excretory System of an Earthworm: It includes nephridia that remove waste. Septal, integumentary, and pharyngeal nephridia filter nitrogenous waste and maintain osmotic balance. Waste is excreted through body pores and the intestines.

Articles

A block of mass 0.50 kg is moving with a speed of 2.00 ms-1 on a smooth surface. It strikes another mass of 1.00 kg and then they move together as a single body. The energy loss during the collision is

Option 1)

0.34\; J

Option 2)

0.16\; J

Option 3)

1.00\; J

Option 4)

0.67\; J

A person trying to lose weight by burning fat lifts a mass of 10 kg upto a height of 1 m 1000 times.  Assume that the potential energy lost each time he lowers the mass is dissipated.  How much fat will he use up considering the work done only when the weight is lifted up ?  Fat supplies 3.8×107 J of energy per kg which is converted to mechanical energy with a 20% efficiency rate.  Take g = 9.8 ms−2 :

Option 1)

2.45×10−3 kg

Option 2)

 6.45×10−3 kg

Option 3)

 9.89×10−3 kg

Option 4)

12.89×10−3 kg

 

An athlete in the olympic games covers a distance of 100 m in 10 s. His kinetic energy can be estimated to be in the range

Option 1)

2,000 \; J - 5,000\; J

Option 2)

200 \, \, J - 500 \, \, J

Option 3)

2\times 10^{5}J-3\times 10^{5}J

Option 4)

20,000 \, \, J - 50,000 \, \, J

A particle is projected at 600   to the horizontal with a kinetic energy K. The kinetic energy at the highest point

Option 1)

K/2\,

Option 2)

\; K\;

Option 3)

zero\;

Option 4)

K/4

In the reaction,

2Al_{(s)}+6HCL_{(aq)}\rightarrow 2Al^{3+}\, _{(aq)}+6Cl^{-}\, _{(aq)}+3H_{2(g)}

Option 1)

11.2\, L\, H_{2(g)}  at STP  is produced for every mole HCL_{(aq)}  consumed

Option 2)

6L\, HCl_{(aq)}  is consumed for ever 3L\, H_{2(g)}      produced

Option 3)

33.6 L\, H_{2(g)} is produced regardless of temperature and pressure for every mole Al that reacts

Option 4)

67.2\, L\, H_{2(g)} at STP is produced for every mole Al that reacts .

How many moles of magnesium phosphate, Mg_{3}(PO_{4})_{2} will contain 0.25 mole of oxygen atoms?

Option 1)

0.02

Option 2)

3.125 × 10-2

Option 3)

1.25 × 10-2

Option 4)

2.5 × 10-2

If we consider that 1/6, in place of 1/12, mass of carbon atom is taken to be the relative atomic mass unit, the mass of one mole of a substance will

Option 1)

decrease twice

Option 2)

increase two fold

Option 3)

remain unchanged

Option 4)

be a function of the molecular mass of the substance.

With increase of temperature, which of these changes?

Option 1)

Molality

Option 2)

Weight fraction of solute

Option 3)

Fraction of solute present in water

Option 4)

Mole fraction.

Number of atoms in 558.5 gram Fe (at. wt.of Fe = 55.85 g mol-1) is

Option 1)

twice that in 60 g carbon

Option 2)

6.023 × 1022

Option 3)

half that in 8 g He

Option 4)

558.5 × 6.023 × 1023

A pulley of radius 2 m is rotated about its axis by a force F = (20t - 5t2) newton (where t is measured in seconds) applied tangentially. If the moment of inertia of the pulley about its axis of rotation is 10 kg m2 , the number of rotations made by the pulley before its direction of motion if reversed, is

Option 1)

less than 3

Option 2)

more than 3 but less than 6

Option 3)

more than 6 but less than 9

Option 4)

more than 9

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