Reticular formation

 Reticular formation

Reticular formation is a collection of neurons in core of brainstem, surrounded by neural pathway that conduct ascending ( sensory) and descending ( motor) nerves impulse between brain and spinal cord.

Reticular formation is set of interconnected nuclei that are located central core of medulla oblongata, pons, and mid brain.

Function of reticular formation

Reticular formation is involved in-

Coordination of skeletal muscle activity associated with voluntary motor movement and maintenance of balance.

Coordination of activity controlled by autonomic nervous system. For example, cardiovascular, respiratory and gastrointestinal activity.

Reticular formation and its connections system called reticular activating system (RAS) which is responsible for regulating arousal and sleep-wake transition. RAS passes sensory information to cerebral cortex.

Reticular formation passes pain signal from lower body to cerebral cortex.

RAS input from touch, pain, pressure, temperature receptor to cerebral cortex. Ascending reticular formation. Descending motor signal to spinal cord.

Reticular formation nuclei that modulate activity to cerebral cortex are called RAS.

For an example; Brain learn to ignore repetitive meaningless stimuli while remaining sensitive to other.  

Person can sleep loud traffic place, but awakened promptly due to alarm or crying baby.