Question

Which best describes the reticular formation of the brain? it is primarily responsible for learning and emotional experience it integrates information from all regions of the cns and supports consciousness it is the primary synaptic relay station for sensory information entering the cns it is mainly involved in motor coordination and balance?

Answer 1

The best which describes the reticular formation of the brain is;

1. It is mainly involved in motor coordination and balance.
2. It is the master endocrine gland of the brain.
3. It is primarily responsible for visual perception.
4. It integrates information from all regions of the CNS and also incorporates the mechanisms that regulate wakefulness and sleep.
5. It is the primarily synaptic relay station for sensory information which is entering the CNS.

Answer 2

The reticular formation is a group of neuronal cell bodies or nuclei in the brainstem. The main function of the reticular formation is to form wakefulness and arousability which is defined by the ascending reticular activating system (ARAS); and along with the cerebral cortex, will produce consciousness. Since it is a collection of neuronal cell bodies, it also functions to integrate information from all regions of the CNS, along with the thalamus. Hence the correct answer is it integrates information from all regions of the CNS and supports consciousness.