nervous system
HighTechnical/Academic, but widely understood in general contexts.
Definition
Meaning
The complex network of nerve cells and fibres that transmits nerve impulses between parts of the body, coordinating sensation, thought, and action.
By metaphorical extension, any complex, interconnected network that controls and coordinates functions, such as a computer network, a transportation grid, or an organizational structure.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a singular, uncountable noun phrase referring to the entire bodily system. Can be used with possessive determiners (e.g., 'your nervous system'). Specific subsystems are identified with adjectives (e.g., central, peripheral, autonomic).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. Spelling of related words may differ (e.g., 'centre' vs. 'center' in 'central nervous system').
Connotations
Identical. Strongly associated with biology, medicine, and neuroscience.
Frequency
Equal frequency in scientific and educational discourse in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[subject] affects/regulates/damages the nervous system.The nervous system [verb] (e.g., controls, coordinates, transmits).[Adjective] nervous system (e.g., central, fragile, overactive).Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A bundle of nerves (refers to a person, not the system)”
- “On edge (related to state, not the system)”
- “Nerves of steel (metaphorical strength)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Metaphorical use: 'The fibre-optic network is the nervous system of the modern bank.'
Academic
Core term in biology, medicine, psychology, neuroscience. Used precisely to describe anatomical and physiological structures.
Everyday
Common in general health discussions, news about diseases (e.g., 'The virus attacks the nervous system.'), and basic science education.
Technical
Precise anatomical and functional descriptions, often subdivided (CNS, PNS, ANS). Used in clinical diagnoses and pharmacological contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The toxin can systemically nervous the entire organism. (Note: Highly unconventional/archaic; standard verb forms do not derive directly.)
American English
- The drug is designed to re-nervate the damaged pathway. (Note: 'Re-nervate' is a technical verb related to nerves, not directly from 'nervous system'.)
adverb
British English
- The signal travelled nervous-system-wide. (Note: Hyphenated compound adverb, rare.)
American English
- The disease progressed systemically, affecting the body nervous-system-first. (Note: Creative, non-standard phrasing.)
adjective
British English
- He has a nervous system disorder.
- The nervous system response was measured.
American English
- She specializes in nervous system research.
- It was a nervous system-specific effect.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The brain is part of the nervous system.
- Our nervous system helps us feel things.
- Doctors say the injury did not damage his nervous system.
- Stress can have a big effect on your nervous system.
- The central nervous system, comprising the brain and spinal cord, is protected by bone.
- Certain pesticides are known to be toxic to the human nervous system.
- Researchers are investigating how the enteric nervous system in the gut communicates independently with the brain.
- Neuroplasticity refers to the nervous system's ability to reorganise its structure and function.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'nervous' (from nerves) + 'system' (an organized whole). Just as a computer's wiring SYSTEM lets it process information, your NERVOUS SYSTEM is your body's wiring for sending messages.
Conceptual Metaphor
The body is a machine/kingdom; the nervous system is its electrical wiring/communication network/command and control centre.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Direct translation 'нервная система' is accurate and poses no trap.
- Avoid confusing the adjective 'nervous' (нервный, easily agitated) with the anatomical term 'nervous system', which is neutral.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect article use (e.g., 'a nervous system' when referring to the general concept).
- Pluralisation (*'nervous systems' is rare unless comparing different organisms).
- Confusing 'nervous' (anxious) with 'nervous' (relating to nerves) in this compound.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a primary division of the vertebrate nervous system?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Nerves' typically refers to the cable-like bundles of fibres (peripheral nerves), while the 'nervous system' is the entire integrated system including the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and ganglia.
Yes, but usually only when comparing the systems of different types of animals or individuals (e.g., 'The nervous systems of insects and mammals differ greatly'). When speaking generally about humans, it's uncountable.
Both are communication systems. The nervous system uses fast electrochemical signals along nerves. The endocrine system uses slower-acting hormones released into the bloodstream by glands.
No. Here, 'nervous' derives from the Latin 'nervus' meaning 'sinew, tendon, string' and later 'nerve'. It pertains to the nerves, not the emotional state of anxiety, which is a secondary meaning of the adjective 'nervous'.