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

MS is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system and can result in progressive physical and cognitive decline.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 20, 2026

Lead poisoning is "particularly harmful to young children" and can "severely damage the brain and central nervous system", according to the World Health Organization.

From BBC ● Oct. 17, 2026

As people age, changes in muscle cells, the nervous system, and the body's ability to produce energy can gradually reduce physical performance.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 15, 2026

Such conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, result in gastrointestinal symptoms related to the functioning of the autonomic nervous system.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 12, 2026

“They are exactly opposite in effect. Atropine speeds the nervous system, rapid heartbeat and so forth. Amatoxins slow it down.”

From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt

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