central nervous system

USAGE SUMMARY

'central nervous system' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to the part of an organism's nervous system that consists of the brain and spinal cord. For example, "The central nervous system is responsible for controlling a wide range of biological processes within the body."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Central Nervous System Irritant.

The New York Times - Magazine

Illustration of the human central nervous system.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The disease had gotten into her central nervous system.

The Guardian

The problem is, the central nervous system is very complex.

The New York Times - Magazine

Heroin depresses the central nervous system and inhibits respiratory function.

The Guardian - Opinion

Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system.

The New York Times

"Certain noises discombobulate my central nervous system," she said.

The New Yorker

We'll send you a new central nervous system.

The New York Times

In later stage, parasite invades the central nervous system.

The Guardian

It's not easy to hurt the central nervous system.

The New Yorker

It affects the central nervous system and liver.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a general audience, consider defining "central nervous system" or using the abbreviation "CNS" after the full term for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "central nervous system" when you actually mean the peripheral nervous system, which includes all the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "central nervous system" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a specific anatomical system within the body. Ludwig AI confirms it is a correct and usable phrase. Examples from Ludwig show its use in scientific and medical contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

34%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "central nervous system" is a common and grammatically correct term primarily used in scientific and medical contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It refers specifically to the brain and spinal cord, and its communicative purpose is to describe and explain functions and conditions related to this anatomical system. Its formal and scientific register is evidenced by its frequent appearance in academic papers, medical reports, and reputable news sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. When writing for a general audience, clarify the term or use the abbreviation "CNS" after the full term. Avoid confusing it with the "peripheral nervous system", which includes nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

CNS

This is the acronym for "central nervous system".

cerebrospinal system

This term emphasizes the brain and spinal cord's connection through the cerebrospinal fluid.

neural axis

This phrase highlights the central line of the nervous system.

brain and spinal cord

This alternative specifically names the two main components of the system.

cerebral nervous system

This variant puts emphasis on the cerebral aspect of the nervous system.

encephalospinal system

This term combines "encephalon" (brain) and "spinal".

main nervous network

This alternative emphasizes the core networking function.

primary neural network

This phrase focuses on the primary aspect of the neural network.

body's control center

This emphasizes the regulatory function of the central nervous system.

nerve center

This is a more general term for the coordinating part of the nervous system.

FAQs

How is the term "central nervous system" used in scientific writing?

In scientific writing, "central nervous system" refers to the brain and spinal cord, and is often abbreviated as CNS after its first use. It's crucial for discussing neurological functions, diseases, and treatments.

What are some common diseases that affect the "central nervous system"?

Common diseases affecting the "central nervous system" include multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and stroke. Each impacts the brain and spinal cord differently, leading to various neurological symptoms.

How does the "central nervous system" differ from the peripheral nervous system?

The "peripheral nervous system" includes all the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, connecting the central nervous system to the limbs and organs. The "central nervous system" acts as the control center, while the peripheral nervous system carries messages to and from it.

What is the role of the "central nervous system" in controlling body functions?

The "central nervous system" is the main control center, responsible for processing sensory information, coordinating motor functions, and regulating various bodily processes. Damage to the "central nervous system" can disrupt these functions, leading to significant health issues.