A dense network of neurons found in the core of the brain stem that arouses the cortex and screens incoming information is called the:
A) pons.
B) cerebellum.
C) reticular activating system.
D) medulla.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The reticular activating system (RAS) is a network of neurons found in the core of the brainstem that extends from the medulla to the thalamus. It is responsible for regulating sleep-wake transitions and maintaining consciousness by screening and filtering incoming sensory information before it reaches the cortex for processing. The pons, cerebellum, and medulla are all structures located in the brainstem, but they do not specifically play a role in arousal and sensory filtering like the RAS does.

A Dense Network of Neurons Found in the Core of the Brain