reticular activating system
(Science: physiology) A physiological term denoting that part of the brainstem reticular formation that plays a central role in the organism’s bodily and behavorial alertness.
It extends as a diffusely organised neural apparatus through the central region of the brainstem into the subthalamus and the intralaminar nuclei of the thalamus; by its ascending connections it affects the function of the cerebral cortex in the sense of behavioural responsiveness; its descending (reticulospinal) connections transmit its activating influence upon bodily posture and reflex mechanisms (e.g., muscle tonus), in part by way of the gamma motor neurons.
See: reticular formation.
Synonym: non-specific system.
Dictionary > Reticular activating system
You will also like...
Freshwater Communities & Plankton
Planktons are microscopic organisms that live suspended in aquatic habitats. There are two groups: the phytoplanktons an..
Animal Growth Hormones
Hormones are produced in the endocrine glands of animals. The pituitary gland and hypothalamus are the most impor..
ATP & ADP – Biological Energy
ATP is the energy source that is typically used by an organism in its daily activities. The name is based on its structu..
Independent Assortment and Crossing Over
This tutorial describes the independent assortment of chromosomes and crossing over as important events in meiosis. Read..
Gene Regulation in Eukaryotes
Learn about the general structure of a eukaryotic gene, the transcription factors, and post-transcriptional regulation....
Control of Growth & Development
Control of Growth & Development tutorials look at how the genetic makeup determines the biological processes on a da..