Final answer:
The reticular formation's malfunction can lead to loss of consciousness, impaired attention and arousal, and sleep disturbances, greatly affecting one's cognitive functions and overall ability to engage in daily activities.
Step-by-step explanation:
If the reticular formation does not function, the result is loss of consciousness, impaired attention and arousal, and sleep disturbances. The reticular formation is a diffuse region of gray matter throughout the brain stem that is crucial for regulating sleep and wakefulness as well as general brain activity and attention. Its dysfunction can lead to significant impairments in daily life due to the key role it plays in maintaining consciousness and mediating the sleep-wake cycle.
Furthermore, sleep is distinguished by low levels of physical activity and reduced sensory awareness, which are regulated by the interplay of circadian and homeostatic mechanisms. Sleep helps in learning and memory consolidation, and disorders in the reticular formation can impair these cognitive processes. This illustrates the importance of the reticular formation and the consequences of its dysfunction on both psychological and physiological levels.