Word parts
What it means
The body's communication network. The central nervous systemSEN-trul NER-vus SIS-tumThe brain and the spinal cord together.centr/o center-al having to do withFull entry is the brain and spinal cordSPY-nul KORDThe long bundle of nerves that runs down through the backbone and carries messages between the brain and the body.Full entry ; the peripheral nervous systempuh-RIF-er-ul NER-vus SIS-tumAll the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, which link them to the rest of the body.Full entry is all the nerves that branch out from them to the rest of the body. It takes in information through the senses, decides what to do and sends signals to muscles and glands. The autonomic nervous systemaw-tuh-NOM-ik NUR-vus SIS-tumThe part of the nervous system that controls body functions without conscious thought, such as heart rate, breathing and digestion.auto- selfnom/o law, control-ic relating toFull entry runs things we do not control on purpose, such as heart rate and digestion.
For the nurse
A neuro check looks at level of consciousness, pupils, movement, strength and feeling. Compare each check with the last and report any decline.
At a glance
| Spanish | sistema nervioso |
|---|---|
| Also written | nervous systems, nervous-system |
Related terms
central nervous system
The brain and the spinal cord together.
autonomic nervous system
The part of the nervous system that controls body functions without conscious thought, such as heart rate, breathing and digestion.
neuron
A nerve cell: a cell that carries electrical and chemical signals through the nervous system.
peripheral nervous system
All the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, which link them to the rest of the body.
nerve
A cord-like bundle of fibers that carries signals between the brain or spinal cord and other parts of the body.