peripheral nervous system

noun

1. the portion of the nervous system lying outside the brain and spinal cord.

peripheral nervous system

1. The part of the nervous system in vertebrate animals that lies outside of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). It includes the nerves that extend to the limbs and many sense organs.

2. Compare central nervous system

peripheral nervous system

1. The nerves outside of the central nervous system that make up part of the vertebrate nervous system.

Word History and Origins

Origin of peripheral nervous system¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

After months of worsening symptoms, Chesson was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury and permanent damage to her peripheral nervous system caused by the fumes she inhaled.

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That creates what Mr Willison describes as an "immunological Russian roulette", triggering an "acute neurological tsunami" that surges through the peripheral nervous system.

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Leprosy primarily affects the skin and peripheral nervous system, causing physical deformity and desensitizing one’s ability to feel pain on affected skin.

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The peripheral nervous system is made up of all the nerves that branch out from the brain and spinal cord to give us sensation throughout our bodies.

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“We could have an implant in the peripheral nervous system.”

Read more on Scientific American