Reticular Formation, Reticular Activating System

Our brains have many complex systems that regulate our functions and behavior. One such system is the Reticular Formation, also known as the Reticular Activating System (RAS). This system consists of a network of neurons and nerve fibers that are located in the brain stem.

The reticular formation is connected to many areas of the brain, including the cerebral cortex, thalamus and hypothalamus, and the spinal cord. It is involved in regulating the level of excitability and tone of various parts of the central nervous system. In addition, it plays an important role in regulating the level of consciousness, emotions, sleep and wakefulness, autonomic functions and purposeful movements.

One of the key functions of the Reticular Activating System is to keep our body awake. When we wake up in the morning, our Reticular Formation begins to activate, which helps us wake up and start the day. In addition, the Reticular Formation helps us stay alert and focused throughout the day.

Recent studies have shown that one neuron of the Reticular Formation can have connections with more than 25,000 other neurons. This allows the Reticular Activating System to respond quickly and effectively to changes in our environment, as well as to our emotional states and needs.

In addition, the reticular formation plays an important role in the regulation of sleep. When we fall asleep, the Reticular Formation slows down its activity, which helps us relax and fall asleep. During sleep, the Reticular Formation also helps us maintain a stable level of sleep and wakefulness, which allows us to get enough sleep and feel rested.

Overall, the Reticular Activating System is an important and complex system in our brain that regulates many functions and behaviors. Thanks to its complex structure and functioning, we can be alert, focused and rested, allowing us to function effectively in our daily lives.



The Reticular formation (reticular formation) is a collection of neurons and nerve fibers connecting them, located in the brain stem and forming a network. This system is connected with all sensory organs, motor and sensory areas of the cerebral cortex, the thalamus and hypothalamus, and the spinal cord. The reticular formation regulates the level of excitability and tone of various parts of the central nervous system, participates in the regulation of the level of consciousness, emotions, sleep and wakefulness, autonomic functions, and purposeful movements.

One of the key functions of the Reticular formation is its ability to activate the cerebral cortex. This is why this system is also called the Reticular Activating System (RAS). With the help of RAS, information entering the cortex is filtered, which allows us to focus on the most important and significant signals, ignoring unnecessary “noise”.

The RAS also plays an important role in regulating the level of consciousness. When RAS is activated, we are awake, and when RAS is inactive, we are asleep. This system also regulates our attention levels, allowing us to focus on the task at hand and ignore distractions.

In addition, RAS is involved in emotion regulation. Studies of this system have shown that activation of the RAS can produce emotional responses such as fear, joy and anger. When the RAS is activated, it releases neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and serotonin, which can influence mood and emotions.

Recent studies have also shown that one neuron in the reticular formation can have connections with more than 25,000 other neurons. This highlights the importance of RAS in regulating many functions of the central nervous system.

In conclusion, the Reticular formation is an important system that plays a key role in regulating the level of consciousness, emotions, sleep and wakefulness, autonomic functions and purposeful movements. Its activation and regulation are important mechanisms that allow us to adapt to the environment and function effectively in everyday life.



The Reticular formation refers to the reflex central part of the brain stem. The reticular nerve formation is located at its very beginning, slightly higher from the receptor nuclei of the thalamus. The main function of this system is to regulate all processes of the central nervous system. The reticular section of the reticular system includes 4 sections:

•        upper;

• average;

•    lower.

These sections regulate the tone of the cortex, activating centers of the brain and spinal cord. This department also influences human thinking and controls processes such as attention, memorization, and perception. The duration of wakefulness and sleep, smooth falling asleep and waking up depend on the functioning of this physiological structure. The lower reticular level controls the functioning of the corpus callosum, coordinates its pathways, and perceives stimuli coming from the organs of hearing and vision.

CCAS includes a system that provides constant irritation to the retik