Reticular Formation Flashcards
Outline the reticular formation?
In addition to the well-defined nuclei already described, much of the brain stem consists of small clusters of neuronal cell bodies (gray matter) interspersed among small bundles of myelinated axons (white matter). The broad region where white matter and gray matter exhibit a netlike arrangement is known as the reticular formation. It extends from the superior part of the spinal cord, throughout the brain stem, and into the inferior part of the diencephalon. Neurons within the reticular formation have both ascending (sensory) and descending (motor) functions.
What is the ascending portion of the reticular formation called?
Consists of what?
Project where?
The ascending portion of the reticular formation is called the reticular activating system (RAS), which consists of sensory axons that project to the cerebral cortex, both directly and through the thalamus.
