Structure: central part of brain (2.5 cm long), contains neural pathways connecting upper and lower brain areas
Midbrain - Reticular formation
Structure: Runs through centre of mid/hind brain (and brain stem) upward to forebrain (as big as middle finger), resembles white netting
Function: Helps filter incoming information so as not to overload brain, alerts high brain centres to important info, maintains consciousness, regulates arousal (awakening from sleep, muscle tone)
Damage to the reticular formation
Could cause disruption to sleep-wake cycle and even result in coma/chronic vegetative state