Reticular activating system - Revision history

DMCGAUGHEY at 02:18, 29 April 2008

DMCGAUGHEY — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 02:18:23 GMT

←Older revision		Revision as of 02:18, 29 April 2008
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	[[Category:Brain areas]]		[[Category:Brain areas]]
		+
		+	== Overview ==

	[Image: http://www.benbest.com/science/anatmind/FigII21.gif]		[Image: http://www.benbest.com/science/anatmind/FigII21.gif]

-
-	~~== Overview ==~~

	The (ascending) '''reticular activating system''' (ARAS) or '''reticular formation''' is a structure that sits between the medulla oblongata and midbrain and branches into the brain stem. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reticular_activating_system] This system dictates the level of arousal or consciousness for the cortex. Sensory and motor impulses travel in between the cerebral cortex, the thalamus, and the RF; this process influences the degree of alertness (or sleep) in a person (Stirling 8) as well as circadian rhythms, respiration, and heartbeat patterns. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reticular_activating_system]		The (ascending) '''reticular activating system''' (ARAS) or '''reticular formation''' is a structure that sits between the medulla oblongata and midbrain and branches into the brain stem. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reticular_activating_system] This system dictates the level of arousal or consciousness for the cortex. Sensory and motor impulses travel in between the cerebral cortex, the thalamus, and the RF; this process influences the degree of alertness (or sleep) in a person (Stirling 8) as well as circadian rhythms, respiration, and heartbeat patterns. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reticular_activating_system]

DMCGAUGHEY: /* Relation to ADD/ADHD */

DMCGAUGHEY — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 02:11:18 GMT

Relation to ADD/ADHD

←Older revision		Revision as of 02:11, 29 April 2008
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	== Relation to ADD/ADHD ==		== Relation to ADD/ADHD ==

-	Since the RAS plays such a large role in motivation, activity level, and a person's ability to pay attention, it makes sense to look for a connection between this area of the brain and the origin of ADD/ADHD.	+	Since the RAS plays such a large role in motivation, activity level, and a person's ability to pay attention, it makes sense to look for a connection between this area of the brain and the origin of ADD/ADHD [http://newideas.net/adhd/neurology].

-	When the RAS is working properly, it serves as balance for all of the other parts of the brain that are also involved in these functions. However, if the RAS is under-stimulating other areas, there can be a distinct drop in the ability to learn, remember, and practice good self-control, which are all symptoms of ADD. The other possible scenario is over-stimulation which can lead to the restlessness and excessive activity associated with ADHD.	+	When the RAS is working properly, it serves as balance for all of the other parts of the brain that are also involved in these functions. However, if the RAS is under-stimulating other areas, there can be a distinct drop in the ability to learn, remember, and practice good self-control, which are all symptoms of ADD. The other possible scenario is over-stimulation which can lead to the restlessness and excessive activity associated with ADHD [http://newideas.net/adhd/neurology].

-	It's possible that the RAS malfunctions because of a norepinephrine deficiency and this problem is thought to be helped by Ritalin, which increases the level of this chemical in the brain. While this may work well for under-aroused ADD/ADHD, it can caused increased agitation in those who already have an overly-active RAS. The solution to this dilemma is often to prescribe a "norephinephrine antagonist," such as Prozac, which boosts serotonin and inhibitory responses.	+	It's possible that the RAS malfunctions because of a norepinephrine deficiency and this problem is thought to be helped by Ritalin, which increases the level of this chemical in the brain. While this may work well for under-aroused ADD/ADHD, it can caused increased agitation in those who already have an overly-active RAS. The solution to this dilemma is often to prescribe a "norephinephrine antagonist," such as Prozac, which boosts serotonin and inhibitory responses [http://newideas.net/adhd/neurology].

	== Motivation and the Yerkes-Dodson Law ==		== Motivation and the Yerkes-Dodson Law ==

DMCGAUGHEY: /* References */

DMCGAUGHEY — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 02:08:00 GMT

References

←Older revision		Revision as of 02:08, 29 April 2008
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	[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-12694/motivation#362868.hook Motivation - The inverted-U function]		[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-12694/motivation#362868.hook Motivation - The inverted-U function]
		+
		+	[http://newideas.net/adhd/neurology Neurology of ADHD]

	[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reticular_activating_system Reticular activating system]		[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reticular_activating_system Reticular activating system]

	Stirling, John. Introducing Neuropsychology. New York: Psychology Press, 200		Stirling, John. Introducing Neuropsychology. New York: Psychology Press, 200

DMCGAUGHEY: /* Relation to ADD/ADHD */

DMCGAUGHEY — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 02:04:40 GMT

Relation to ADD/ADHD

←Older revision		Revision as of 02:04, 29 April 2008
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	== Relation to ADD/ADHD ==		== Relation to ADD/ADHD ==

		+	Since the RAS plays such a large role in motivation, activity level, and a person's ability to pay attention, it makes sense to look for a connection between this area of the brain and the origin of ADD/ADHD.

		+	When the RAS is working properly, it serves as balance for all of the other parts of the brain that are also involved in these functions. However, if the RAS is under-stimulating other areas, there can be a distinct drop in the ability to learn, remember, and practice good self-control, which are all symptoms of ADD. The other possible scenario is over-stimulation which can lead to the restlessness and excessive activity associated with ADHD.
		+
		+	It's possible that the RAS malfunctions because of a norepinephrine deficiency and this problem is thought to be helped by Ritalin, which increases the level of this chemical in the brain. While this may work well for under-aroused ADD/ADHD, it can caused increased agitation in those who already have an overly-active RAS. The solution to this dilemma is often to prescribe a "norephinephrine antagonist," such as Prozac, which boosts serotonin and inhibitory responses.

	== Motivation and the Yerkes-Dodson Law ==		== Motivation and the Yerkes-Dodson Law ==

DMCGAUGHEY at 01:41, 29 April 2008

DMCGAUGHEY — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 01:41:29 GMT

←Older revision		Revision as of 01:41, 29 April 2008
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	The (ascending) '''reticular activating system''' (ARAS) or '''reticular formation''' is a structure that sits between the medulla oblongata and midbrain and branches into the brain stem. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reticular_activating_system] This system dictates the level of arousal or consciousness for the cortex. Sensory and motor impulses travel in between the cerebral cortex, the thalamus, and the RF; this process influences the degree of alertness (or sleep) in a person (Stirling 8) as well as circadian rhythms, respiration, and heartbeat patterns. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reticular_activating_system]		The (ascending) '''reticular activating system''' (ARAS) or '''reticular formation''' is a structure that sits between the medulla oblongata and midbrain and branches into the brain stem. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reticular_activating_system] This system dictates the level of arousal or consciousness for the cortex. Sensory and motor impulses travel in between the cerebral cortex, the thalamus, and the RF; this process influences the degree of alertness (or sleep) in a person (Stirling 8) as well as circadian rhythms, respiration, and heartbeat patterns. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reticular_activating_system]

-	== Relation to ~~types of brain damage~~ ==	+	== Relation to ADD/ADHD ==
-	In the ~~case of hemineglect~~, or ~~an unresponsiveness~~ to	+
		+
		+
		+	== Motivation and the Yerkes-Dodson Law ==
		+
		+	The ARAS/RF is directly related to arousal and motivation which are, in turn, related to ability to perform tasks. How well these tasks can be performed is often represented by the inverted U-function (or the Yerkes-Dodson law) which depicts that performance peaks at a certain level of arousal and then deteriorates if that arousal continues to increase because of the associated stress and agitation of being too aroused [http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-12694/motivation#362868.hook].
		+
		+	Dr. Harris talked to us about this is Stats II last semester when he was describing his early/late day arousal, caffeinated/non-caffeinated performance study. People who were at their peak arousal during a certain time of day performed best at that time (as expected), but their performance deteriorated as they consumed caffeine and actually became overly-aroused. However, caffeine could also be used to increase performance in those who weren't testing during their peak arousal times.


	== References ==		== References ==
		+
		+	[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-12694/motivation#362868.hook Motivation - The inverted-U function]

	[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reticular_activating_system Reticular activating system]		[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reticular_activating_system Reticular activating system]

	Stirling, John. Introducing Neuropsychology. New York: Psychology Press, 200		Stirling, John. Introducing Neuropsychology. New York: Psychology Press, 200

DMCGAUGHEY: /* Overview */

DMCGAUGHEY — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 01:25:52 GMT

Overview

←Older revision		Revision as of 01:25, 29 April 2008
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	== Overview ==		== Overview ==

-	The '''reticular activating system''' or '''reticular formation''' is a structure that sits between the medulla oblongata and midbrain and branches into the brain stem. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reticular_activating_system] This system dictates the level of arousal or consciousness for the cortex. Sensory and motor impulses travel in between the cerebral cortex, the thalamus, and the RF; this process influences the degree of alertness (or sleep) in a person (Stirling 8) as well as circadian rhythms, respiration, and heartbeat patterns. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reticular_activating_system]	+	The (ascending) '''reticular activating system''' (ARAS) or '''reticular formation''' is a structure that sits between the medulla oblongata and midbrain and branches into the brain stem. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reticular_activating_system] This system dictates the level of arousal or consciousness for the cortex. Sensory and motor impulses travel in between the cerebral cortex, the thalamus, and the RF; this process influences the degree of alertness (or sleep) in a person (Stirling 8) as well as circadian rhythms, respiration, and heartbeat patterns. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reticular_activating_system]

	== Relation to types of brain damage ==		== Relation to types of brain damage ==

DMCGAUGHEY: /* Overview */

DMCGAUGHEY — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 01:02:54 GMT

Overview

←Older revision		Revision as of 01:02, 29 April 2008
Line 6:		Line 6:
	== Overview ==		== Overview ==

-	The '''reticular activating system''' or '''reticular formation''' is a structure that sits between the medulla oblongata and midbrain and branches into the brain stem. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reticular_activating_system] This system dictates the level of arousal or consciousness for the cortex. Sensory and motor impulses travel in between the cerebral cortex, the thalamus, and the RF; this process influences the degree of alertness (or sleep) in a person (Stirling 8).	+	The '''reticular activating system''' or '''reticular formation''' is a structure that sits between the medulla oblongata and midbrain and branches into the brain stem. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reticular_activating_system] This system dictates the level of arousal or consciousness for the cortex. Sensory and motor impulses travel in between the cerebral cortex, the thalamus, and the RF; this process influences the degree of alertness (or sleep) in a person (Stirling 8) as well as circadian rhythms, respiration, and heartbeat patterns. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reticular_activating_system]
-		+

	== Relation to types of brain damage ==		== Relation to types of brain damage ==

DMCGAUGHEY at 01:00, 29 April 2008

DMCGAUGHEY — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 01:00:46 GMT

←Older revision		Revision as of 01:00, 29 April 2008
Line 6:		Line 6:
	== Overview ==		== Overview ==

-	The '''reticular activating system''' or '''reticular formation''' is a structure that branches into the brain stem ~~and~~ dictates the level of arousal for the cortex. Sensory and motor impulses travel in between the cerebral cortex, the thalamus, and the RF; this process influences the degree of alertness (or sleep) in a person (Stirling 8).	+	The '''reticular activating system''' or '''reticular formation''' is a structure that sits between the medulla oblongata and midbrain and branches into the brain stem. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reticular_activating_system] This system dictates the level of arousal or consciousness for the cortex. Sensory and motor impulses travel in between the cerebral cortex, the thalamus, and the RF; this process influences the degree of alertness (or sleep) in a person (Stirling 8).
		+
		+
		+	== Relation to types of brain damage ==
		+	In the case of hemineglect, or an unresponsiveness to
		+

	== References ==		== References ==
		+
		+	[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reticular_activating_system Reticular activating system]

	Stirling, John. Introducing Neuropsychology. New York: Psychology Press, 200		Stirling, John. Introducing Neuropsychology. New York: Psychology Press, 200

DMCGAUGHEY: /* Overview */

DMCGAUGHEY — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:51:09 GMT

Overview

←Older revision		Revision as of 00:51, 29 April 2008
Line 6:		Line 6:
	== Overview ==		== Overview ==

-	The '''reticular activating system''' or '''reticular formation''' is a structure that branches into the brain stem and dictates the level of arousal for the cortex. Sensory and motor impulses travel in between the cerebral cortex, the thalamus, and the RF; this process influences the degree of alertness (or sleep) in a person.	+	The '''reticular activating system''' or '''reticular formation''' is a structure that branches into the brain stem and dictates the level of arousal for the cortex. Sensory and motor impulses travel in between the cerebral cortex, the thalamus, and the RF; this process influences the degree of alertness (or sleep) in a person (Stirling 8).
-		+

	== References ==		== References ==

	Stirling, John. Introducing Neuropsychology. New York: Psychology Press, 200		Stirling, John. Introducing Neuropsychology. New York: Psychology Press, 200

DMCGAUGHEY at 00:45, 29 April 2008

DMCGAUGHEY — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:45:39 GMT

←Older revision		Revision as of 00:45, 29 April 2008
Line 2:		Line 2:

	[Image: http://www.benbest.com/science/anatmind/FigII21.gif]		[Image: http://www.benbest.com/science/anatmind/FigII21.gif]
		+
		+
		+	== Overview ==
		+
		+	The '''reticular activating system''' or '''reticular formation''' is a structure that branches into the brain stem and dictates the level of arousal for the cortex. Sensory and motor impulses travel in between the cerebral cortex, the thalamus, and the RF; this process influences the degree of alertness (or sleep) in a person.
		+
		+
		+	== References ==
		+
		+	Stirling, John. Introducing Neuropsychology. New York: Psychology Press, 200