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...

Plant Biology
Plantlife can be studied at a variety of levels, from the molecular, genetic and biochemical level through organelles, c..

Plant Meristems and Growth
In plants, growth occurs in meristems, which are the site of repeated cell division of unspecialized cells. These cells ..

Abiotic Factors – Water Conditions
A still body of water may be disturbed by a variety of factors. One of them is wind. In fact, it is considered as the pr..

Developmental Biology
Developmental biology is a biological science that is primarily concerned with how a living thing grows and attains matu..

Cell Biology
The cell is defined as the fundamental, functional unit of life. Some organisms are comprised of only one cell whereas o..

A Balanced Diet – Carbohydrates and Fat
Apart from vitamins, the human body also requires high energy sources such as carbohydrates and fats. If you want an ove..