Sleep and Consciousness Flashcards
1
Q
What metric indicates the level of ongoing CNS activity?
A
Degree of wakefulness
2
Q
What is the reticular formation?
A
Series of nuclei and white matter tracts in the brain stem
3
Q
What is the RAS?
A
Reticular activating system; sends constant stream of impulses to the cerebral cortex
4
Q
What happens when the RAS is inactivated?
A
Sleep!
5
Q
Why does inactivation of the RAS cause sleep?
A
Most stimuli are unable to reach the cerebral cortex
