| The mechanisms of arousal involve both direct and indirect connections of receptors with the central nervous system and parts of the reticular formation. |
| The reticular formation consists of a vast number of small interconnected neurons occupying the central area of the brainstem. |
| The brainstem reticular formation should not, however, be called the seat of consciousness. |
| Microinjections of muscimol and bicuculline into the pontine reticular formation modify the sleep-waking cycle in the rat. |
| For example, it is possible that the brainstem reticular formation is divided into the same number of nuclei in all jawed vertebrates. |
| Some fibers of the hypoglossal nerve can be traced through the reticular formation as they course towards the ventrolateral sulcus. |
