nervous system

American  

[nur-vuhs sis-tuhm] / ˈnɜr vəs ˌsɪs təm /

noun

Anatomy, Zoology.

1. the system of nerves and nerve centers in an animal or human, including the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and ganglia.

2. a particular part of this system.

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nervous system British  

noun

1. the sensory and control apparatus of all multicellular animals above the level of sponges, consisting of a network of nerve cells See neurone See also central nervous system

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nervous system Scientific  

/ nûr′vəs /

1. The system of neurons and tissues that regulates the actions and responses of vertebrates and many invertebrates. The nervous system of vertebrates is a complex information-processing system that consists mainly of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral and autonomic nerves. It receives chemical information from hormones in the circulating blood and can also regulate secretions of the endocrine system by the action of neurohormones. The nervous systems of invertebrates vary from a simple network of nerves to a complex nerve network under the control of a primitive brain.

2. See also autonomic nervous system central nervous system peripheral nervous system

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nervous system Cultural  

1. The system in the body that controls internal functions of the body and receives, interprets, and responds to stimuli. The nervous system is made up of the brain, the spinal cord, the nerves, and the sense organs, such as the eye and ear.

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Etymology

Origin of nervous system

First recorded in 1730–40

Example Sentences

Overall, the study delivers a detailed genetic map of early nervous system development and sheds light on the molecular basis of a newly identified brain disorder.

From Science Daily

Gray said, and afterward, “Your nervous system can’t relax enough to go to sleep.”

From The Wall Street Journal

According to the charity SMA UK, the drug delivers a healthy copy of the affected gene to the body, but timing is critical because irreversible damage may have already occurred in the nervous system.

From BBC

MS is defined by ongoing inflammation and demyelination within the central nervous system.

From Science Daily

As we begin to understand the vital role our nervous system plays in our ability to manage to stress, there is a growing body of evidence that the vagus nerve might hold the key.

From BBC