During lecture, some of the students appear to have fallen asleep. The teacher decides to drop a heavy book on the floor, startling and arousing the students. This is due to the function of the:
A) reticular activating system.
B) medulla.
C) pons.
D) brain stem.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The reticular activating system (RAS) is responsible for regulating wakefulness and arousal in the brain. It receives sensory input and is involved in filtering out irrelevant information while focusing on important stimuli. By dropping a heavy book on the floor, the sudden loud noise activates the RAS and startles the students, bringing them out of their slumber. The medulla and pons are also parts of the brain stem, but they are not directly involved in regulating wakefulness and arousal in the same way as the RAS.

During Lecture, Some of the Students Appear to Have Fallen