The reticular activating system
The reticular formation is mostly composed of white matter and extends through the core of the brain stem. A section of this formation, known as the reticular activating system, continually supplies impulses to the cerebral cortex to enhance its excitability. The reticular activating system also filters sensory inputs. It is inhibited by sleep centers of the hypothalamus and other regions and is affected by CNS depressants. The reticular formation also has a motor section, projecting to the spinal cord via the reticulospinal tracts.
The reticular formation is mostly composed of white matter and extends through the core of the brain stem. A section of this formation, known as the reticular activating system, continually supplies impulses to the cerebral cortex to enhance its excitability. The reticular activating system also filters sensory inputs. It is inhibited by sleep centers of the hypothalamus and other regions and is affected by CNS depressants. The reticular formation also has a motor section, projecting to the spinal cord via the reticulospinal tracts.