peripheral nervous system

noun

: the part of the nervous system that is outside the central nervous system and comprises the cranial nerves excepting the optic nerve, the spinal nerves, and the autonomic nervous system

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The ancient disease attacks the skin, peripheral nervous system and even the bones themselves. —

Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 23 Feb. 2023 The peripheral nervous system helps the body to manage pain and inflammation. —

Michael Wright, Discover Magazine, 25 Oct. 2021 The peripheral nervous system is composed of all the nerves located outside the brain and spinal cord. —

Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 20 Sep. 2022 Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is thought to be an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks its own peripheral nervous system, starting with the feet and hands. —

Jenny Blair, Discover Magazine, 9 Oct. 2013 The result of something called peripheral neuropathy, this happens when the nerves of your peripheral nervous system (think the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord) become damaged. —

Eleesha Lockett, SELF, 3 May 2022 Another portal may be situated in the peripheral nervous system, which conveys sensory and motor impulses from muscles, organs and skin to the brain and spinal cord. —

Gary Stix, Scientific American, 10 Nov. 2021 According to Zak, as part of a multi-million dollar government effort, his lab measured central and peripheral nervous system activity simultaneously. —

Roger Dooley, Forbes, 25 May 2021 In the neuromuscular area, the company is looking into multiple diseases driven by genetic defects in skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle and the peripheral nervous system. —

Mike Freeman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Mar. 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'peripheral nervous system.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of peripheral nervous system was in 1846

See more words from the same year

Dictionary Entries Near peripheral nervous system

peripheralism

peripheral nervous system

peripheral neuropathy

See More Nearby Entries

Cite this Entry

Style

“Peripheral nervous system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peripheral%20nervous%20system. Accessed 30 Mar. 2023.

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Kids Definition

peripheral nervous system

noun

: the part of the nervous system that is outside the central nervous system and is made up of the autonomic nervous system, the spinal nerves, and the cranial nerves except the optic nerve

Medical Definition

peripheral nervous system

noun

: the part of the nervous system that is outside the central nervous system and comprises the cranial nerves excepting the optic nerve, the spinal nerves, and the autonomic nervous system