Which region of your brainstem plays a role in arousing you to a state of alertness when someone nearby mentions your name?

a) reticular formation
b) cerebellum
c) amygdala
d) medulla

The correct answer is A) reticular formation

Explanation:

Reticular formation is made up of many groups of nuclei which is spread all over the brain. It is attached to the hypothalamus and cerebral cortex which is responsible for sensory function like vision, hearing, touch.

Therefore reticular formation is also responsible for some sensory function like the sleep-wake cycle, alertness, and consciousness. Reticular formation is responsible for arousing anyone to a state of alertness when his name is mentioned nearby.  

As reticular formation is responsible for consciousness and alertness damage to reticular formation can lead a person to go in a coma. So, the correct answer is A) reticular formation.