Alice is typing her term paper in the computer lab. Although a class is going on just a few feet away, she does not seem to notice. Which part of the brain allows Alice to focus on her typing and ignore the distractions that surround her?

reticular formation

Explanation:

Reticular formation: The term reticular formation is defined as a group of interconnected nuclei in an individual's brain and if often located in the brain stem. It involves various neurons that are being placed in different parts of an individual's brain.

Reticular formation plays a vital role in consciousness related states, for example, alertness and is responsible for an individual's consciousness and sleep. It has various projections towards cerebral cortex and thalamus which is responsible for exerting control over different sensor signals that is being extended to the cerebrum and determine conscious attention.

In the question above, the reticular information allows Alice to focus on her typing while ignoring distractions.