The pons is part of the brain stem located between the medulla oblongata on the bottom and the midbrain on the top. Pons is Latin for bridge, and it perfectly describes the role of this structure. Together with the medulla, the pons serves as the bridge between the spinal cord and the cerebrum. It also connects the cerebrum to the cerebellum, allowing these two main brain regions to coordinate their function.

1. The Bridge Of The Brain: What
Is The Pons?
The pons is part of the brain stem located between the medulla oblongata on
the bottom and the midbrain on the top. Pons is Latin for bridge, and it
perfectly describes the role of this structure.
Together with the medulla, the pons serves as the bridge between the
spinal cord and the cerebrum. It also connects the cerebrum to
the cerebellum, allowing these two main brain regions to coordinate their
function.
At just under an inch in length, the pons is a small yet vital part of the brain.

2. In this article, we take a closer look at the key functions of the pons and
explain why this region of the brain stem is so important for your brain and
your entire body.
What Is The Function Of The Pons In The
Brain?
Rather than being responsible for one or two brain functions, the pons plays a
multitude of roles that would be very difficult to list in full. Because all
impulses traveling to and from the cerebral cortex pass through the pons, this
structure can be linked to any higher brain function that takes place in the
cortex.
Due to its position in the brain, the pons is responsible for relaying signals
across different brain regions.
The pons also houses the nuclei of several important cranial nerves. These
include the trigeminal nerve, which is in charge of motor and sensory
functions of the face, as well as the vestibulocochlear nerve, which is
involved in hearing. There is also the abducens nerve, which is in charge of
eye movement.
In addition to these functions, the pons plays a role in numerous other
processes, including balance, taste, voluntary movement, and sensation of
pain.

3. What Does The Pons Regulate?
The pons is also involved in the regulation of breathing.
Namely, this part of the brain stem houses the pneumotaxic center, a large
group of nerve cells that are in charge of several key aspects of the breathing
process. These nerves determine your breathing rate, i.e. how much air you
need to breathe in and how often you need to do it.

4. For example, when you’re running, you’ll need more oxygen and your
breathing rate will increase. On the other hand, while you’re resting, your
breathing rate will decrease. This is all regulated by the pons.
The pons also helps regulate deep sleep, particularly the REM sleep stage.
While you’re sleeping, the pons (along with the medulla oblongata) instructs
the muscles in your body to relax, thus ensuring that you don’t act out your
dreams. Conversely, an impaired pons function causes people to act out their
dreams, a condition known as the REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD).
What Happens When The Pons In The Brain Is
Damaged?
Because it plays an instrumental role in transmitting nerve signals across
different areas of the brain, any injury or damage to the pons may result in
serious problems. They most often include sensory problems, sexual
dysfunctions (due to impaired arousal function), and sleep disturbances.
Sometimes, however, the problems can be more severe.
For example, damage to neural pathways in the pons may limit your
voluntary control. Known as locked-in syndrome, this condition could lead to
quadriplegia or even render you unable to speak.
If the arteries leading to the pons become clogged, it limits the flow of blood
to your brain. This, in turn, causes a condition known as a lacunar stroke,
which is characterized by symptoms that range from speaking and walking
difficulties to paralysis and loss of memory.
In extreme cases, damage to the pons may lead to coma or death.

5. Why Is The Pons Important?
The pons is important because it transfers messages between different parts
of the brain.
Without a fully functioning pons, your brain wouldn’t be able to work to its
full potential. Messages would get lost, certain impulses wouldn’t be able to
reach their brain destination, and you wouldn’t be able to perform all the
tasks that you would otherwise have no problem doing.
The Final Word

6. In addition to its many important functions, the pons is significant because it
allows you to enter REM sleep. Deep sleep has a refreshing effect on your
mind and is extremely beneficial for your body.
As Jim Kwik, Author of Mindvalley’s Superbrain Program, says, “Sleep is
one of the best life hacks there is.”