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

The trauma meant her nervous system was in a "fight or flight" state.

From BBC

However, while the treatment he receives is effective at preventing another relapse, he still faces problems from the damage that has already been done to his central nervous system.

From BBC

The practice proposes something more rare than perfectly toned arms: un-jangled nervous systems.

From The Wall Street Journal

Beyond mammary cancer, the researchers identified similarities to human cancer mutations in tumors affecting the blood, bone, lungs, skin, gastrointestinal system, and central nervous system.

From Science Daily

The Ukrainian president is the same as ever—steadfast, with a nervous system that seems fireproof and capable of withstanding anything.

From The Wall Street Journal