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

Several other doctors have since told him that gabapentin is likely the cause of his condition, including a neuropsychiatrist who diagnosed him with severe dysautonomia, or impairment of the autonomic nervous system.

From The Wall Street Journal

An autopsy identified inflammation in Bass’s peripheral nervous system and in his heart muscles—similar to Anderberg’s.

From The Wall Street Journal

They warn, for instance, that seniors should minimize the number of drugs they take simultaneously that affect the central nervous system, including gabapentin.

From The Wall Street Journal

The team set out to create and share new neuroscience tools by giving cells in the nervous system the ability to produce light and respond to it.

From Science Daily

New research suggests that disrupted brain circuits in Down syndrome may be linked to a shortage of a specific molecule that the nervous system relies on to develop and work properly.

From Science Daily