Dr. Curtis Cripe Talks About the Reticular System

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The reticular system of the brain is a network of interconnected neurons. The system extends from the medulla oblongata to the thalamus. It regulates many vital functions. These functions include wakefulness, attention, and motor control.

Dr. Curtis Cripe of NTL Group's research and development team notes that the reticular system is divided into two main regions. The first is the ascending reticular activating system (ARAS). The second is the descending reticular inhibiting system (DRIS). The ARAS is responsible for promoting wakefulness and alertness. The DRIS regulates sleep and relaxation.

The reticular system plays quite a role in the brain's reward system. It is responsible for releasing dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation. The dopamine release in the reward system makes activities such as eating, sex, and exercising pleasurable.

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Dr. Curtis Cripe says that dopamine plays a major role in addiction and substance abuse. For example, illegal drugs such as cocaine and heroin cause a large dopamine release in the brain's reward system. This leads to the infamous feeling of drug-induced euphoria.

The reticular system is also involved in learning and memory. It is necessary for the formation of new memories. Moreover, it helps in the consolidation of old ones.

Common problems with the reticular system include sleep disorders and addiction. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is also a known issue in this system. Treatment for these conditions often focuses on correcting the underlying imbalance in the brain's neurotransmitters.

Specialists who research the reticular system are called neuroscientists. They use a variety of tools and techniques to study the brain. These include functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET). Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may be used as well, notes Dr. Curtis Cripe.

Dr. Curtis Cripe, head of research and development at NTL Group, expounds on other topics related to his expertise and work on his blogs. Find some of his posts page.