Goals and Reticular Activating System

The mind learns to ignore meaningless signals while focusing on others. The Reticular Activating System consists of brain parts that are responsible for survival instincts. The brainstem is the axis of nervous system where signals of viscera, internal milieu, vestibular organs and musculoskeletal frame work together within a collection of nuclei. It is important in context of respiration, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal functions when control depends on the integration of this information.

The RAS is a region of the pons and is involved in regulating the sleep-wake cycle, and filtering incoming stimuli to block irrelevant stimuli.

<h3>The RAS consists of neural networks with various function which include:</h3>

  1. Somatic motor control. Axons travel to rectospinal tracts of the spinal cord and maintain tone, balance and posture. It integrates eye & ear signals through cerebellum for motor coordination.
  2. Cardiovascular control.
  3. Sleep and consciousness.
  4. Habituation-process by which the brain learns to ignore meaningless stimuli while remaining sensitive to others.