peripheral nervous system

American  

noun

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

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peripheral nervous system Scientific  

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

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peripheral nervous system Cultural  

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

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Etymology

Origin of peripheral nervous system

First recorded in 1930–35

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Compare meaning

How does peripheral-nervous-system compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• central nervous system vs. peripheral nervous system

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

peripheral nervous system

"This is the first time it's been demonstrated that deficits in the peripheral nervous system can arise directly from these mutations," Hickman says.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 10, 2026

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.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 14, 2025

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

From BBC ● Feb. 3, 2025

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

From Salon ● Mar. 21, 2024

Reflex action should be excited, the peripheral nervous system stimulated in order to contract the heart and the respiratory muscles, and the precordial region cauterized.

From Gas-Engines and Producer-Gas Plants A Practice Treatise Setting Forth the Principles of Gas-Engines and Producer Design, the Selection and Installation of an Engine, Conditions of Perfect Operation, Producer-Gas Engines and Their Possibilities, the Care of Gas-Engines and Producer-Gas Plants, with a Chapter on Volatile Hydrocarbon and Oil Engines by R. E. Mathot

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