While discussing the functions of the brain stem, the lecturer notices that many of his students appear to have fallen asleep. This reminds him of the ________, which arouses the cerebral cortex to attend to new stimulation and keeps the brain alert even during sleep.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The reticular formation is a network of neurons located in the brain stem that plays a crucial role in controlling arousal and consciousness, including keeping the brain alert and attentive to new stimuli.  This is a dense network of nerve cells that arouses the cerebral cortex to pay attention to new input even during sleep. Severe damage to this area results in a coma.

While Discussing the Functions of the Brain Stem, the Lecturer