Review Note

Reticular Formation: - -

The reticular formation consists of a network of neurons that extend from the medulla into the midbrain. It’s involved in a variety of functions including regulation of muscle tone, coordination of eye movements, and control of pain. It contains the reticular activating system (RAS) which is also known as the ascending reticular activating system (ARAS).

The RAS mediates consciousness and arousal, controls the sleep/wake cycle, and alerts the cerebral cortex to incoming sensory signals. Lesions in the RAS can cause a comatose state, while direct electrical stimulation or stimulation by sensory input can awaken a sleeping person and cause an awake person to become more alert.

Summary:
 A network of neurons that extends from the medulla into the midbrain - Functions:
Muscle tone
Coordination of eye movements
Control of pain 

 Reticular activating system (RAS) is also known as the ascending reticular activating system (ARAS) -

RAS mediates
- Consciousness and arousal 
- Controls the Sleep/wake cycle
- Alerts the cerebral cortex to incoming sensory signals

Disorder/Treatment:
Lesions in the RAS - Can cause a comatose state - Direct electrical stimulation or sensory input can awaken a sleeping person or cause an awake person to become more alert