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

Examples of peripheral nervous system in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The investigation of soft materials was initiated with optogenetic pain research in the peripheral nervous system specifically in mind. IEEE Spectrum, 1 Nov. 2023 The lack of serotonin, in turn, disrupts connectivity between the peripheral nervous system and the brain, causing neurologic symptoms. Byerin Prater, Fortune Well, 16 Oct. 2023 According to the World Health Organization, in Guillain-Barré syndrome, the body’s immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system, which can affect nerves that control muscle movement and can result in muscle weakness, loss of sensation in the limbs and problems swallowing or breathing. Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2023 The team is designing and validating a robust recovery biomarker enabling a first-ever stroke rehabilitation RST based on exchanges between regions of the central and peripheral nervous systems. IEEE Spectrum, 14 Sep. 2023 The human body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors scattered throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 5 Aug. 2023 The disease mostly impacts the skin and the peripheral nervous system, according to the EID. Teddy Grant, ABC News, 1 Aug. 2023 Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae that primarily affects the skin and peripheral nervous system. Brandon Girod, USA TODAY, 31 July 2023 These receptors are found in the peripheral nervous system and immune cells, including those related to pain sensation. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 4 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'peripheral nervous system.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of peripheral nervous system was in 1846

Dictionary Entries Near peripheral nervous system

Cite this Entry

“Peripheral nervous system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/peripheral%20nervous%20system. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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

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