Anatomy & Physiology: The Unity of Form and Function, 7th Edition

Published by McGraw-Hill Education
ISBN 10: 0073403717
ISBN 13: 978-0-07340-371-7

Chapter 14 - Section 14.3 - Study Guide - Assess Your Learning Outcomes - Page 554: 4

Answer

The reticular formation (RF) is a complex of many smaller gray matter networks spread throughout the brainstem (medulla, pons and midbrain ); it occupies spaces between the white matter tracts, and the gray matter brain nuclei. The manny RF networks utilize several neurotransmitters, and connect with many areas of the cerebrum. The RF networks are involved with the following physiological activities: somatic motor control; cardiovascular control; pain modulation ; sleep and consciousness; habituation ( ignoring of unimportant repetitive stimuli) . Somatic motor control is mediated by the reticulospinal tracts ( RSTs) of the spinal cord: some cerebral motor neurons travel to RF nuclei; thence second order neurons travel to the spinal cord and form the RSTs. These tracts are concerned with muscle tension to main tone, posture, and balance as the body moves. The RF also relays signal from eyes and ears to the cerebellum. This facilitates cerebellar integration of visual, auditory, and vestibular stimuli in its motor coordination function. Other RF motor centers include gaze centers, and central pattern generators, Gaze centers enable the eyes to track and fixate moving objects; central pattern generators produce signals responsible for the rhythmic pattern of muscular action in breathing, and swallowing.

Work Step by Step

The RF has important roles in control of the cardiovascular functions. These functions are mediated through the cardiac, and vasomotor centers of the medulla . Also, pain modulation is one of the responsibilities of the RF. Some pain signals reach the cerebral cortex through the RF; there are also descending analgesic neural pathways that pass through the RF--these are involved with diminishing one's perception of pain. In addition to these functions, the RF also plays an important role in managing states of consciousness such as sleep and alertness. Finally, the brain can learn to ignore inconsequential repetitive stimuli while concentrating on a perceived important stimulus of the moment. This ability or function is called habituation. It is made possible by the RF, including its cerebral nuclei--the reticular activating system (RAS).
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