PONS is a part of the brainstem, located between the ________ (above) and the
_________ (BELOW).
MIDBRAIN
MEDULLA OBLONGATA
PONS means ________ in Latin – it acts as a _______ between different parts of the
nervous system.
“bridge”
Structure of Pons
1.Basilar (ventral) pons
2.Tegmentum (dorsal pons)
contains motor fibers and relay
centers. Think of it as a highway
for motor signals
1.Basilar (ventral) pons –
contains sensory pathways,
nuclei of cranial nerves, and
reticular formation. Essential for
functions like sleep, arousal,
and breathing regulation.
2.Tegmentum (dorsal pons) –
Cranial Nerves of Pons
CN V (Trigeminal)
CN VI (Abducens)
CN VII (Facial)
CN VIII (Vestibulocochlear)
is for facial
sensation and chewing.
CN V (Trigeminal)
controls lateral eye
movement.
CN VI (Abducens)
handles facial
expressions and taste in the front part
of the tongue.
CN VII (Facial)
is for
hearing and balance
CN VIII (Vestibulocochlear)
Functions of Pons
RELAY CENTER
MOTOR CONTROL
SENSORY ROLE
AUTONOMIC FUNCTIONS
SLEEP & AROUSAL
Connects signals from the forebrain to the cerebellum.
Acts like a communication hub.
RELAY CENTER
Coordinates voluntary movements like posture, balance, and fine motor control.
MOTOR CONTROL
Involved in sensation of touch, hearing, and balance.
SENSORY ROLE
Helps regulate breathing rhythm along with the medulla.
AUTONOMIC FUNCTIONS
Plays a role in sleep regulation and consciousness.
SLEEP & AROUSAL
Pons clinical relevance
Locked in syndrome
Respiratory problems
(patient is conscious but cannot
move except eye muscles). Completely paralyze.
LOCKED-IN syndrome
Loss of sensation or motor function in face and limbs.
RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS.
