THE RETICULAR FORMATION. PART I. MODELING STUDIES OF THE RETICULAR FORMATION.

Abstract : Three models of the reticular formation (RF) are described that originate in the hypothesis that the RF is the structure in vertebrates that commits an animal to one mode of behavior or another. Examples of modes are sleep, eat, drink, fight, flee, and mate. About 25 such modes occur and, if properly interpreted, are mutually exclusive. The RF is of interest for command system design since its million and more neurons are able to reach a workable consensus as to the proper mode of total organism commitment in a fraction of a second. The RF neurology is reviewed on the assumption that is provides the main clues. In particular, an exposition of the RF Golgi anatomy that reveals RF circuit patterns is used in the production of a computer simulation model called S-RETIC. The design and performance of S-RETIC are discussed. The model consists of a dozen probabilistic hybrid computer modules linked together with jumpers of different lengths to form an anastomotic array. (Author)