central nervous system

noun

: the part of the nervous system which in vertebrates consists of the brain and spinal cord, to which sensory impulses are transmitted and from which motor impulses pass out, and which coordinates the activity of the entire nervous system compare peripheral nervous system

Examples of central nervous system in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Delta-8 is still psychoactive and interacts with your central nervous system’s CB1 receptors, but isn’t as strong as Delta-9. —Lydia Kariuki, The Mercury News, 2 Dec. 2024

But auras—which fMRI scans have indicated originate as a sort of rolling blackout within the brain—suggest information is getting through from the brain to the pain sensors in the peripheral nervous system, the nerves outside of the central nervous system that extend across the rest of the body. —Matthew Ponsford, WIRED, 19 Sep. 2024

Many recreational and prescription drugs contain stimulants (drugs that increase activity in your central nervous system) and other substances that can trigger symptoms of tachycardia. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 29 Nov. 2024

White matter can be thought of as the communication highway for the central nervous system, transmitting signals to and from different parts of the brain and spinal cord. —New Atlas, 29 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1826, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

central nervous system

noun

: the part of the nervous system that in vertebrates consists of the brain and spinal cord

Medical Definition

central nervous system

noun

: the part of the nervous system which in vertebrates consists of the brain and spinal cord, to which sensory impulses are transmitted and from which motor impulses pass out, and which supervises and coordinates the activity of the entire nervous system compare autonomic nervous system, peripheral nervous system