The reticular formation can be said to be a network of nuclei in the brainstem that wakes or alert us to a sharp reaction or occurence at a particular time.
The brain stem consists of the brain regions that are in continuity with the spinal cord. The brain stem is present in the posterior part of the brain and contains motor and sensory nerve supply.
The reticular formation is the important region of the brain stem that plays an important role in consciousness. This regions contains the motor nerve supply and involves in the arousal process whenever someone asked the question or when we find something.