The RAS Reticular “NET”
The ascending reticular activating system (ARAS), also known as the extrathalamic control modulatory system or simply the reticular activating system (RAS).
Physically:
Its Structure is not well defined because it includes neurons located in different parts of the brain. The neurons of the reticular formation make up a complex set of networks in the core of the brainstem that extend from the upper part of the midbrain to the lower part of Brain.
The reticular formation includes ascending pathways to the cortex in the ascending reticular activating system (ARAS) and descending pathways to the spinal cord via the reticulospinal tracts
Responsible for :
Plays a crucial role in maintaining arousal and consciousness. Motor control, cardiovascular control, pain , sleep and consciousness, and habits.
Acts as a “Filter” a “Secretary” a “Bouncer”
One of the hardest working areas of your brain, so much information is being thrown at us every second, we can’t possibly pay attention to all of it. Imagine a part of your brain as a person, this person is literally taking a spin RAS has a very important role: it's the gatekeeper of information that is let into the conscious mind. This little bit of brain matter is responsible for filtering the massive amounts of information your sensory organs are constantly throwing at it and selecting the ones that are most important for your conscious mind to pay attention to.
Let’s do a simple test (If you are driving please try this later for safety’s sake) for the rest, Try to see just how much information you pick up every minute. Take ten seconds and listen t
