Reticular activating system

Reticular Activating System (RAS) is a complex structure of neurons located within the brainstem. It plays a crucial role in maintaining behavioral arousal and consciousness. The RAS is involved in several functions of the body including sleep-wake transitions and filtering incoming stimuli to discriminate irrelevant background stimuli.

Anatomy

The Reticular Activating System is located in the brainstem, at the core of the midbrain. The RAS has connections to the cortex, thalamus, and spinal cord, as well as several other areas in the brain. It is composed of several neuronal circuits which are interconnected, forming a network that extends from the lower end of the brainstem, including the medulla oblongata, up to the hypothalamus.

Function

The primary function of the RAS is to regulate arousal and sleep-wake transitions. It is also involved in the control of several other somatic motor activities including heart rate, eating, and sexual arousal. The RAS also plays a role in modulating pain transmission.

Clinical significance

Damage to the Reticular Activating System can result in a variety of disorders, including coma, ADHD, and Parkinson's disease. It is also implicated in a number of psychiatric disorders, such as depression and schizophrenia.

See also

• Brainstem
• Consciousness
• Neuroscience

References

Reticular activating system Resources
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