nervous system

noun

: the bodily system that in vertebrates is made up of the brain and spinal cord, nerves, ganglia, and parts of the receptor organs and that receives and interprets stimuli and transmits impulses to the effector organs see autonomic nervous system, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system

Examples of nervous system in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Smile at other people Your nervous system is wired to quickly ascertain whether someone is a friend, stranger, or enemy. —Angela Haupt, TIME, 17 Jan. 2025

One of the functions that’s been getting a lot of hype lately is magnesium’s impact on the nervous system and sleep quality. —Kristine Thomason, Vogue, 11 Jan. 2025

These include: Benzodiazepines, which work by increasing the level of gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA, a neurotransmitter that elicits a calming effect by reducing activity in the nervous system. —Ashley Bradford, The Conversation, 10 Jan. 2025

The condition causes damage to the nervous system over time because the body cannot properly transport cholesterol and other fatty substances inside of cells, leading to a buildup of those substances in the body. —Annika Kim Constantino,ashley Capoot, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1703, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

nervous system

noun

: the bodily system that receives stimuli, decides on their importance, and sends nerve impulses to the organs of action and that in vertebrates is made up of brain and spinal cord, nerves, ganglia, and parts of the receptor organs

Medical Definition

nervous system

noun

: the bodily system that in vertebrates is made up of the brain and spinal cord, nerves, ganglia, and parts of the receptor organs and that receives and interprets stimuli and transmits impulses to the effector organs see autonomic nervous system, central nervous system, peripheral nervous system