nervous system

American  

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

noun

Anatomy, Zoology.

• nervous systems
  plural

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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• nervous systems
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of nervous system

First recorded in 1730–40

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

nervous system

These microbes interact with the immune system, produce biologically active compounds, and may even affect how the nervous system responds to pain.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 28, 2026

Pain sensitivity reflects how strongly the nervous system responds to potentially painful stimulation.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 28, 2026

The heart is regulated partly by the autonomic nervous system, a network of nerves that automatically manages essential functions such as heartbeat, breathing, and digestion.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 26, 2026

Fungi remain one of the least thoroughly explored groups of organisms, and researchers believe their chemical diversity could provide valuable clues about biology, medicine, and the nervous system.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 25, 2026

“My entire nervous system is on the brink of revolt against me for subjecting it to such trauma. Ignore me if I suddenly go into a state of shock.”

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole

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