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

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

The condition involves damage to the peripheral nervous system, which sends signals between the central nervous system and other body parts, per the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. —Bailey Richards, Peoplemag, 14 Apr. 2024

These cells can be found in the brain, and in both the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. —Cbd Scout, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

Leprosy primarily affects the skin and peripheral nervous system, causing physical deformity and desensitizing one’s ability to feel pain on affected skin. —Robert A. Schwartz, Discover Magazine, 18 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

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