On The Influence of the Reticular Activating System Upon the Auditory Function

Abstract

The aim of the present paper is to summarize the neurophysiological, neuropharmacological, and clinical evidence which indicate how the reticular formation of the b.s. influences the general processes of integration and particularly the auditory integration. The authors reach the conclusion that the ascending reticular tonic activity may influence the time constant of the sensory integration processes both through a modification of the overall conduction time of afferent impulses along the specific pathways and through a modification of the operation time of reflex mechanisms activated by the sensory input.