NERVOUS SYSTEM

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does nervous system mean? 

• NERVOUS SYSTEM (noun)
  The noun NERVOUS SYSTEM has 1 sense:

1. the sensory and control apparatus consisting of a network of nerve cells

  Familiarity information: NERVOUS SYSTEM used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• NERVOUS SYSTEM (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

The sensory and control apparatus consisting of a network of nerve cells

Classified under:

Nouns denoting body parts

Synonyms:

nervous system; systema nervosum

Hypernyms ("nervous system" is a kind of...):

system (a group of physiologically or anatomically related organs or parts)

Meronyms (parts of "nervous system"):

nerve tissue; nervous tissue (tissue composed of neurons)

ganglion (an encapsulated neural structure consisting of a collection of cell bodies or neurons)

nerve cell; neuron (a cell that is specialized to conduct nerve impulses)

fascicle; fasciculus; fiber bundle; fibre bundle (a bundle of fibers (especially nerve fibers))

central nervous system; CNS; systema nervosum centrale (the portion of the vertebrate nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord)

neural net; neural network (any network of neurons or nuclei that function together to perform some function in the body)

peripheral nervous system; systema nervosum periphericum (the section of the nervous system lying outside the brain and spinal cord)

ANS; autonomic nervous system (the part of the nervous system of vertebrates that controls involuntary actions of the smooth muscles and heart and glands)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "nervous system"):

sympathetic nervous system (originates in the thoracic regions of the spinal cord; opposes physiological effects of the parasympathetic: reduces digestive secretions; speeds the heart; contracts blood vessels)

parasympathetic; parasympathetic nervous system (originates in the brain stem and lower part of the spinal cord; opposes physiological effects of the sympathetic nervous system: stimulates digestive secretions; slows the heart; constricts the pupils; dilates blood vessels)

Holonyms ("nervous system" is a part of...):

body; organic structure (the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being))

 Context examples 

The other gene family, zinc-finger transcription factors, play a role in nervous system function and development.

(First-ever octopus genome sequenced, NSF)

Alanine is an important source of energy for muscles and central nervous system, strengthens the immune system, helps in the metabolism of sugars and organic acids, and displays a cholesterol-reducing effect in animals.

(Alanine, NCI Thesaurus)

The spread of the cancer to the nervous system.

(Metastatic Malignant Neoplasm to the Nervous System, NCI Thesaurus)

An amphetamine with central nervous system (CNS) stimulating activity.

(Methamphetamine, NCI Thesaurus)

Opioids, such as morphine, are often used to treat pain from a nervous system injury.

(Opioid Pain Relievers May Prolong Pain, NIH)

Despite these differences, the patients’ nervous systems appeared to be developing normally.

(“Sixth sense” may be more than just a feeling, NIH)

An acute infectious disorder that affects the nervous system.

(Acute Poliomyelitis, NCI Thesaurus)

A benign or malignant neuroendocrine neoplasm of the sympathetic nervous system that secretes catecholamines.

(Adrenal Gland Pheochromocytoma, NCI Thesaurus)

A family of G protein-coupled receptors that bind catecholamines and play a role in the stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system.

(Adrenergic Receptor, NCI Thesaurus)

An oligodendroglial tumor of the central nervous system occurring in adults.

(Adult Oligodendroglial Tumor, NCI Thesaurus)