reticular formation

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noun

a network of neurons in the brainstem involved in consciousness, regulation of breathing, the transmission of sensory stimuli to higher brain centers, and the constantly shifting muscular activity that supports the body against gravity.

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Origin of reticular formation

First recorded in 1885–90

Words nearby reticular formation

reticular activating system, reticular cell, reticular degeneration, reticular dystrophy of cornea, reticular fiber, reticular formation, reticular membrane, reticular substance, reticular tissue, reticulate, reticulated bone

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use reticular formation in a sentence

Twin buglers played “Taps” and three police helicopters flew overhead in the missing-man formation.
Funeral Protest Is Too Much for NYPD Union Boss|Michael Daly|January 5, 2015|DAILY BEAST
“Stay in formation,” a sergeant from the ceremonial unit said over a public address system to the cops along the street.
Funeral Protest Is Too Much for NYPD Union Boss|Michael Daly|January 5, 2015|DAILY BEAST
This led to the formation of a Christian militant group to counter the rebels, and all-out sectarian violence exploded.
The Year’s Most Forgotten Humanitarian Crisis|Nina Strochlic|January 1, 2015|DAILY BEAST
They looked up into the blue sky as the helicopters flew over in a lost man formation.
Choking Back Tears, Thousands of Cops Honor Fallen Officer Ramos|Michael Daly|December 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST

For that reason, we will never see the formation of another solar system unfold before our eyes.
The Most Stunning View Ever of Planets Being Born|Matthew R. Francis|November 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The significance of the different varieties is more readily understood if one considers their mode of formation.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis|James Campbell Todd
Indications of asbestos are found at most points throughout the whole serpentine formation.
Asbestos|Robert H. Jones
This island, like Number 1, which we visited in 1819, appears to be principally of quartzose formation.
Narrative of a Survey of the Intertropical and Western Coasts of Australia] [Volume 2 of 2]|Phillip Parker King
For new taxes, however, it would doubtless be necessary to await the formation of a new ministry.
The Eve of the Revolution|Carl Becker
The formation of a new ministry was not an unusual occurrence in the early years of King George the Third.
The Eve of the Revolution|Carl Becker

Medical definitions for reticular formation

reticular formation

A massive but vaguely delimited neural apparatus composed of closely intermingled gray and white matter, extending the length of the spinal cord and into the diencephalon, and having a dominant role in the central control of autonomic and endocrine functions, bodily posture, skeletomuscular reflex activity, and general behavioral states.reticular substance

Scientific definitions for reticular formation

reticular formation

[ rĭ-tĭk′yə-lər ]

A complex network of neurons and axons that is located throughout the brainstem. The reticular formation regulates consciousness, sleep, and wakefulness.