The brain stem reticular formation

Abstract

The reticular formation is an aggregation of several subtypes of interconnected neurons extending throughout the brain stem tegmentum. It is continuous and functionally related to the hypothalamus and midline and interlaminar nuclei of the dorsal thalamus. The reticular pathways integrate sensory, visceral, limbic, andmotor functions. Reticular circuits project throughout the central nervous system and exert important influences on autonomic regulation of vital organ systems, behavior, somatic motor activities, sleep cycles, alertness, and pain modulation.