Nervous System: One of eleven major body organ systems in animals; coordinates and controls actions of internal organs and body systems, receives and processes sensory information from the external environment, and coordinates short-term reactions to these stimuli.

 

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Nervous System: One of eleven major body organ systems in animals; coordinates and controls actions of internal organs and body systems, receives and processes sensory information from the external environm . . . View Full Definition

Sympathetic Nervous System: Part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for activity by speeding up the heart rate.

Sympathetic System: The subdivision of the autonomic nervous system that dominates in stressful or emergency situations and prepares the body for strenuous physical activity, e.g., causing the heart to beat faster.

Central Nervous System (CNS): The division of the nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord.

Somatic Nervous System: The portion of the peripheral nervous system consisting of the motor neuron pathways that innervate skeletal muscles.

Parasympathetic Nervous System: Branch of the autonomic nervous system that slows the heart rate.

Peripheral Nervous System: The division of the nervous system that connects the central nervous system to other parts of the body. Components of the nervous system that transmit messages to the central nervous system.

Endocrine System: One of eleven major body organ systems in animals; a system of glands that works with the nervous system in controlling the activity of internal organs, especially the kidneys, and in coordi . . . View Full Definition

Parasympathetic System: The subdivision of the autonomic nervous system that reverses the effects of the sympathetic nervous system. Part of the autonomic nervous system that controls heartbeat, respiration and oth . . . View Full Definition

Autonomic System: The portion of the peripheral nervous system that stimulates smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and glands; consists of the parasympathetic and sympathetic systems.