The reticular formation It’s a ‘ diffuse net ’ which is formed by nerve cells & fibers It extends from the neuroaxis spin...
The reticular formation
- It’s a ‘diffuse net’ which is formed by nerve cells & fibers
- It extends from the neuroaxis spinal cord through medulla,
- pons, midbrain, subthalamus, hypothalamus & thalamus
- (Spinal cord is relayed superiorly to the cerebral cortex)
- Many afferent & efferent pathways project in & out of the RF from most parts of the CNS
- The main pathways through the RF is poorly defined & difficult to trace using silver stains
- Reticular formation can be divided into 3 columns : Median, Medial & Lateral columns
- Functions of the reticular formation
- Control of skeletal muscles
- Modulate muscle tone & reflex activities (Via reticulospinal & reticulo bulbar tracts)
- Important in controlling muscles of facial expression when associated with emotions
- Control somatic & visceral sensation (Influence can be excitatory or inhibitory)
- Control of autonomic nervous system
- Control of endocrine nervous system (Hypothalamus & the pituitary)
- Influence on the biological clock (Rhythm)
- The reticular activating system (Arousal & level of consciousness are controlled by the RF)
Clinical note
- When a person smiles for a joke, the motor control is provided by the RF on both side of the brain
- The fibers from RF is separated from Cortico bulbar pathway (Supply for facial muscles)
- If a patient suffer a stroke that involves Cortico bulbar fibers, has facial paralysis on the lower part of the face is still able to smile symmetrically
The limbic system
Limbic structures
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Functions of the limbic system
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The basal ganglia & their connections
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