Alice is typing her term paper in the computer lab. Although a class is going on just a few feet away, she does not seem to notice. Which part of the brain allows Alice to focus on her typing and ignore the distractions that surround her?
A) reticular formation
B) pons
C) medulla
D) cerebellum

Question

Alice is typing her term paper in the computer lab. Although a class is going on just a few feet away, she does not seem to notice. Which part of the brain allows Alice to focus on her typing and ignore the distractions that surround her?
A) reticular formation 
B) pons 
C) medulla
D) cerebellum

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The reticular formation is responsible for regulating arousal and sleep, as well as filtering out unnecessary sensory information, allowing an individual to focus on important stimuli, such as typing a term paper, while ignoring distractions. The pons and medulla are primarily involved in regulating basic physiological functions, such as breathing and heart rate, while the cerebellum is primarily involved in coordinating movement and maintaining balance.

Alice Is Typing Her Term Paper in the Computer Lab