ascending reticular activating system
Acronym: RAS
The term ascending reticular activating system refers to a set of neurons and pathways that are defined by their connections and functions. It overlaps but is not precisely coincident with the reticular formation (classical) of the brainstem ( Carpenter-1983, Anthoney-1994 ). Once believed to be a 'diffuse arousal network', a source of nonspecific activation of forebrain functions, subsequent research has indicated it to be composed of a large number of individual cell groups devoted to very specific motor and autonomic functions ( Buettner-Ennever-2004 ).

Also known as: ascending activating system, ascending reticular system, reticular activating systemNeuroNames ID : 1225


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