NETTER - Neuroscience Flash Cards

Reticular Formation and Nuclei
1. Intralaminar nuclei
(thalamus)
2. Reticular nucleus of the
thalamus
3. Midline nuclei (thalamus)
4. Lateral reticular formation
of the midbrain
5. Periaqueductal gray
6. Raphe nuclei (dorsal,
central superior)
7. Ventral tegmental area
8. Locus caeruleus
9. Parapontine reticular
formation (PPRF)—lateral
gaze center
10. Raphe nuclei (pontis)
11. Pontine reticular formation
(pontis caudalis, oralis)
12. Lateral reticular formation
13. Medullary reticular
formation (gigantocellularis)
14. Respiratory nuclei
15. Rostral ventrolateral
medulla (RVLM)
16. Raphe nuclei (obscurus,
pallidus, magnus)
17. Group A1
18. Lamina 7—caudal reticular
formation (RF)
Comment: The RF is the neuronal core of the brain stem, extending
from the rostral spinal cord through the hypothalamus and septal
region; RF neurons are large cells with axonal arborizations that
terminate a distance from their cell bodies and dendritic trees
(isodendritic). RF neurons are in a lateral zone (predominantly
sensory functions), a medial zone (predominantly motor functions
for tone and posture), a column of midline and lateral serotonergic
neurons, and clusters of noradrenergic neurons. These two lateral
groups of neurons exert modulatory influences on CXIS targets. The
sensory zone of the RF is the ascending reticular activation system
(ARAS); it receives multiple sensory inputs, activates the cortex
through nonspecific thalamic nuclei, and participates in arousal,
alertness, and consciousness. Consciousness requires intact ARAS
and at least one functioning hemisphere. The medial motor portion of
the RF consists of the pontine and medullary reticulospinal systems
(upper motor neurons) and paramedian nuclei such as the PPRF
(lateral gaze center).
Regional Neuroscience See book 11.31