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Reticular Activating System

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1. What is the main function of the Reticular Activating System?

2. If an individual suffered damage to this center in the brain, what residual deficits in learning and behavior would you expect to see?

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Solution Summary

This solution explores the main function of the Reticular Activating System. If an individual suffered damage to this center in the brain, this soltuion also discusses the residual deficits in learning and behavior that a person would expect to see. References are provided.

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1. What is the main function of the Reticular Activating System?

Fibers from the reticular formation create a network called the reticular activating system. The RAS is a part of the brainstem that forms a special system of nerve cells linking the medulla, pons, midbrain, and cerebral cortex. The RAS functions as a sentry. It is believed to be the center of arousal and motivation in mammals (including humans). In a noisy crowd, for example, the RAS alerts a person when a friend speaks and enables that person to ignore other sounds. (http://qanda.encyclopedia.com/question/reticular-activating-system-82497.html). Said another way, it is the system of cells of the reticular formation of the medulla oblongata that receive collaterals from the ascending sensory pathways and project to ...

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