{"id":858,"date":"2019-10-31T08:49:11","date_gmt":"2019-10-31T08:49:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/human-memory.net\/?p=858"},"modified":"2022-05-20T09:45:43","modified_gmt":"2022-05-20T09:45:43","slug":"pons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/pons\/","title":{"rendered":"The Pons Function"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_17 counter-hierarchy counter-decimal ez-toc-grey\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><i class=\"ez-toc-glyphicon ez-toc-icon-toggle\"><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/pons\/#Boost_Your_Brain_with_Mind_Lab_Pro\" title=\"\n\t\tBoost Your Brain with Mind Lab Pro\n\t\">\n\t\tBoost Your Brain with Mind Lab Pro\n\t<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/pons\/#Benefits\" title=\"\n\t\tBenefits\n\t\">\n\t\tBenefits\n\t<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/pons\/#Anatomy_of_Pons\" title=\"Anatomy of Pons\">Anatomy of Pons<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/pons\/#Location\" title=\"Location\">Location<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/pons\/#External_Features\" title=\"External Features\">External Features<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/pons\/#Internal_Features\" title=\"Internal Features\">Internal Features<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-4\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-4\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/pons\/#At_the_level_of_Facial_Colliculus\" title=\"At the level of Facial Colliculus\">At the level of Facial Colliculus<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/pons\/#At_the_level_of_Trigeminal_Nucleus\" title=\"At the level of Trigeminal Nucleus\">At the level of Trigeminal Nucleus<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/pons\/#Nerves_emerging_from_the_Pons\" title=\"Nerves emerging from the Pons\">Nerves emerging from the Pons<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/pons\/#Blood_supply\" title=\"Blood supply\">Blood supply<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/pons\/#Physiology_of_Pons\" title=\"Physiology of Pons\">Physiology of Pons<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/pons\/#Respiratory_control\" title=\"Respiratory control\">Respiratory control<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-4\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-4\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/pons\/#Apneustic_center\" title=\"Apneustic center\">Apneustic center<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/pons\/#Pneumotaxic_center\" title=\"Pneumotaxic center\">Pneumotaxic center<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/pons\/#Relay_of_Signals\" title=\"Relay of Signals\">Relay of Signals<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/pons\/#Nuclei_of_cranial_nerve\" title=\"Nuclei of cranial nerve\">Nuclei of cranial nerve<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-4\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-4\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/pons\/#Abducent_nerve\" title=\"Abducent nerve\">Abducent nerve<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/pons\/#Trigeminal_nerve\" title=\"Trigeminal nerve\">Trigeminal nerve<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/pons\/#Facial_nerve\" title=\"Facial nerve\">Facial nerve<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/pons\/#Passage_to_fibers\" title=\"Passage to fibers\">Passage to fibers<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/pons\/#Clinical_Significance_of_Pons\" title=\"Clinical Significance of Pons\">Clinical Significance of Pons<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-3\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/pons\/#Tumors_of_Pons\" title=\"Tumors of Pons\">Tumors of Pons<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/pons\/#Pontine_Hemorrhage\" title=\"Pontine Hemorrhage\">Pontine Hemorrhage<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/pons\/#Infarction_of_Pons\" title=\"Infarction of Pons\">Infarction of Pons<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/pons\/#ConclusionSummary\" title=\"Conclusion\/Summary\">Conclusion\/Summary<\/a><ul class=\"ez-toc-list-level-4\"><li class=\"ez-toc-heading-level-4\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-26\" href=\"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/pons\/#References\" title=\"References\">References<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Boost_Your_Brain_with_Mind_Lab_Pro\"><\/span>\n\t\tBoost Your Brain with Mind Lab Pro\n\t<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\t<p><strong>Your brain is incredibly complex. Mind Lab Pro has 11 different nootropics all working together to increase your cognition and brainpower to help you live a better life.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If you need to perform at your best, need to focus, problem-solve or maintain a calm and clear mindset, you will get a huge benefit from taking Mind Lab Pro.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mindlabpro.com?a_aid=5f9802ef2d90f&amp;a_bid=6d45f5c3\" target=\"_blank\" role=\"button\" rel=\"noopener nofollow noreferrer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTry Mind Lab Pro Today \u2192\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/takespruce.com\/product\/750mg-lab-grade-cbd-oil?rfsn=4424690.8df824\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow noreferrer\" itemprop=\"url\">\n\t\t\t\t<img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" height=\"281\" width=\"300\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/human-memory.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/mind-lab-pro.png?resize=300%2C281&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"mind-lab-pro\" itemprop=\"image\" title=\"mind-lab-pro\" onerror=\"this.style.display='none'\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Benefits\"><\/span>\n\t\tBenefits\n\t<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\t<ul>\n<li>Better focus<\/li>\n<li>Calm mindset<\/li>\n<li>55+ memory and mood<\/li>\n<li>Performance focused athletes<\/li>\n<li>Student learning<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t<p>Pons is an essential part of the brain located above the medulla. It falls in the category of the <strong>hindbrain<\/strong>. Pons is very important part of brain for the regulation and control of a number of vital functions. It not only acts as a control center, but also contains nuclei of some important cranial nerves. We can appreciate the importance of pons from the fact that any damage or trauma to pons can cause the immediate death of the person.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>In this educational article, we will talk about the structure and location of pons, its important components, blood supply and development of pons, and its functions. We will also discuss some important lesions of pons along with the diseases caused.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Anatomy_of_Pons\"><\/span>Anatomy of Pons<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/human-memory.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Pons-1.png?resize=481%2C273\" alt=\"\" width=\"481\" height=\"273\"><\/figure>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Location\"><\/span>Location<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Pons is a part of the hindbrain, which also includes medulla and cerebellum. Pons is present in the uppermost part of <strong>brainstem<\/strong>, just above the medulla and in front of the cerebellum. Inferiorly, it is continuous with the medulla, and superiorly, with the midbrain.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"External_Features\"><\/span>External Features<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>When viewed externally, the anterior surface of the pons is convex and shows<strong> transverse fibers <\/strong>that run from side to side. These fibers join on each side to from middle cerebellar peduncles. <\/p>\n<figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/human-memory.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Pons-image.png?resize=290%2C347\" alt=\"\" width=\"290\" height=\"347\"><\/figure>\n<p>A shallow groove is present in the middle of these fibers, called the basilar groove. The basilar groove lodges the basilar artery, which is the main artery for the blood supply of entire brain.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The posterior surface of pons contributes to the upper half of the roof of the fourth ventricle. It is divided into symmetrical halves by median sulcus.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Internal_Features\"><\/span>Internal Features<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The internal anatomical features of pons can be viewed by studying the transverse section of pons. It appears as a pear-shaped structure with pontine fibers running transversely in the anterior part. The cavity of pons is formed by the fourth ventricle, present in the posterior part.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The transverse section of pons is studied at two levels:<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"At_the_level_of_Facial_Colliculus\"><\/span><em>At the level of Facial Colliculus<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>At this level, the most important structure is the <strong>facial colliculus<\/strong>. It is formed by the winding of <strong>facial nerve (CN VII)<\/strong> fibers around the nucleus of the abducent nerve (CN VI). This part contains the nucleus of facial nerve, abducent nucleus, spinal nucleus of trigeminal nerve (CN V), and pontine and trapezoid nuclei.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/human-memory.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/facial-collicotus.png?resize=485%2C407\" alt=\"\" width=\"485\" height=\"407\"><\/figure>\n<p>Important motor fibers passing through this part of pons include corticospinal and corticonuclear tracts, transverse pontine fibers and medial longitudinal fasciculus.<\/p>\n<p>The important sensory fibers include lateral, spinal and medial lemnisci, and spinal tract of trigeminal nerve.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"At_the_level_of_Trigeminal_Nucleus\"><\/span><em>At the level of Trigeminal Nucleus<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>The most important structures in this part are the motor and main sensory nuclei of the trigeminal nerve. Pontine and <strong>trapezoid nuclei<\/strong> are also present.<\/p>\n<p>It gives passage to the same fibers as present at the level of facial colliculus, except the spinal tract of trigeminal nerve. The spinal tract of trigeminal nerve is not present at this level.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Nerves_emerging_from_the_Pons\"><\/span>Nerves emerging from the Pons<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/human-memory.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Trigeminal-nerve.png?fit=1024%2C1024&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"335\" height=\"335\"><\/figure>\n<p>Following four <strong>cranial nerves<\/strong> emerge from the pons:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Trigeminal nerve: from the middle of ventrolateral aspect<\/li>\n<li>Abducent nerve: from the junction between pons and pyramids<\/li>\n<li>Facial nerve: from the cerebellopontine angle (angle between pons and cerebellum)<\/li>\n<li>Vestibulocochlear nerve: from the cerebellopontine angle<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Blood_supply\"><\/span>Blood supply<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/human-memory.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/basilar-artery.jpg?resize=298%2C275\" alt=\"\" width=\"298\" height=\"275\"><\/figure>\n<p>The blood supply of pons is mainly derived from the pontine branches of the <strong>basilar artery<\/strong>. Other arteries that supply blood to pons include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Anterior cerebellar artery<\/li>\n<li>Inferior cerebellar artery<\/li>\n<li>Superior cerebellar artery<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>After passing through the pons, blood mainly drains into the inferior petrosal sinus and basilar plexus of veins.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Physiology_of_Pons\"><\/span>Physiology of Pons<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In this section, we will focus on some important functions of pons. As said earlier, it plays an important role in controlling and regulating vital body functions. Some of the important functions of the pons are given below.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Respiratory_control\"><\/span>Respiratory control<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/human-memory.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Lower-pons.png?resize=622%2C323\" alt=\"\" width=\"622\" height=\"323\"><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Respiratory control<\/strong> is regarded as the most important function of pons. It controls the rate and depth of involuntary respiration or breathing. There are two centers present in pons for the respiratory control:<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Apneustic_center\"><\/span><em>Apneustic center<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Apneustic center is present in the lower part of pons. Its stimulation produces apneustic breathing or apneuses. Apneusis is an abnormal breathing pattern with prolonged inspiratory gasps. These inspiratory gasps are followed by brief period expiratory period.<\/p>\n<p>Stimulation of the neurons in this center sends signals to inspiratory center in medulla, causing the increased activation of phrenic nerve. Phrenic nerve, in turn, causes increased inspiration.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pneumotaxic_center\"><\/span><em>Pneumotaxic center<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>The pneumotaxic center is present in the upper part of pons. The stimulation of neurons present in this part of pons causes inhibition of inspiration. It inhibits the signaling from the apneustic center and limits the activity of the phrenic nerve. In this way, it decreases the tidal volume and helps to control rate of respiration.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Relay_of_Signals\"><\/span>Relay of Signals<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/human-memory.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/cerebrum.png?resize=350%2C349\" alt=\"\" width=\"350\" height=\"349\"><\/figure>\n<p>The nuclei present in pons are essential to relay signals from the <strong>cerebrum to the cerebellum<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The <strong>cerebropontine fibers<\/strong> terminate on the pontine nuclei present in the anterior part of pons. The efferent fibers emerge from these pontine nuclei and form the transverse fibers. These transverse fibers join to form middle cerebellar peduncles on both sides of pons. In this way, signals arising from the cerebrum are relayed to cerebellum.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Nuclei_of_cranial_nerve\"><\/span>Nuclei of cranial nerve<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/human-memory.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/Abducent-nerve.jpg?resize=425%2C265\" alt=\"\" width=\"425\" height=\"265\"><\/figure>\n<p>The <strong>nuclei of important cranial nerves<\/strong> are present in pons. These cranial nerves, arising from the pons have important functions listed below.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Abducent_nerve\"><\/span><em>Abducent nerve<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>The nucleus of the abducent nerve is present in the caudal part of the pons. It controls the movements of eyeball. This nerve provides motor supply to the lateral rectus muscle of eyeball. This muscle causes lateral rotation and abduction of eyeball.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Trigeminal_nerve\"><\/span><em>Trigeminal nerve<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>The motor and sensory nuclei of the trigeminal nerve are present in pons. This nerve provides sensory supply to the entire face, part of neck and scalp. This nerve is also important for the process of chewing, swallowing and biting as it provides motor supply to the muscles of mastication.<\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Facial_nerve\"><\/span><em>Facial nerve<\/em><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>The nucleus of the facial nerve is also present in pons. It <strong>provides motor signals<\/strong> to the muscles of facial expressions. Thus, it is majorly responsible for controlling facial expressions. It also carries taste sensations from the anterior two-thirds of the tongue.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>It also provides innervation to the salivary glands and thus controls the process of salivation.<\/p>\n<p>Facial nerve is also involved in corneal reflex arc.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Passage_to_fibers\"><\/span>Passage to fibers<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Pons also provide passage to fibers to and from the brain and spinal cord. It acts as a relay center for these fibers. The fibers passing through the pons include corticonuclear fibers, corticospinal fibers, and the three lemnisci; medial, lateral and spinal lemniscus.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Clinical_Significance_of_Pons\"><\/span>Clinical Significance of Pons<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Following are the clinically important <strong>pathologies of pons:<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Tumors_of_Pons\"><\/span>Tumors of Pons<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/human-memory.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/astrocytoma.jpg?resize=450%2C324\" alt=\"\" width=\"450\" height=\"324\"><\/figure>\n<p>The most common <strong>tumor of the brain stem<\/strong> is the astrocytoma of pons. It causes weakness of facial muscles on the same side, weakness of lateral rectus muscles on one or both sides and weakness of muscles involved in mastication. <\/p>\n<p>It also causes impairment in hearing due to damage to cochlear nerve. Other peripheral symptoms include contralateral hemiparesis, quadriparesis and sensory defects of trunk and limbs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Pontine_Hemorrhage\"><\/span>Pontine Hemorrhage<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Pons are supplied by <strong>basilar artery<\/strong> and superior, inferior and anterior cerebellar arteries. The hemorrhage of any of these arteries will result in facial paralysis on the side of hemorrhage and paralysis of limbs on the opposite side. There will also be paralysis of lateral rectus muscle on the side of lesion.<\/p>\n<p>Extensive bilateral hemorrhage causes pinpoint pupil, and bilateral paralysis of face and limbs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Infarction_of_Pons\"><\/span>Infarction of Pons<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<figure><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/human-memory.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/basilar-artery-and-pons.png?resize=368%2C348\" alt=\"\" width=\"368\" height=\"348\"><\/figure>\n<p>Usually, the infarction of pons is due to the thrombus or embolus in the <strong>basilar artery<\/strong> or its branches. The infarct of pons can be paramedian or lateral.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The paramedian infarct causes damage to corticospinal tracts, pontine nuclei and fibers passing to the middle cerebellar peduncle.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The<strong> lateral infarct<\/strong> will cause damage to the three lemnisci as well as corticospinal fibers to the lower limb.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"ConclusionSummary\"><\/span>Conclusion\/Summary<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Pons is a part of the hindbrain present just above the <strong>medulla oblongata<\/strong> in the brain stem.<\/p>\n<p>On gross examination, pons has convex anterior surface with shallow groove in the middle for the basilar artery. It is on sides by the middle cerebellar peduncles and forms the roof of the fourth ventricle.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The transverse sections of pons appear pear-shaped. It is studied at two levels; at the level of facial colliculus, and at the level of trigeminal nuclei.<\/p>\n<p>Four cranial nerves emerge from pons including trigeminal nerve (CN V), abducent nerve (CN VI), facial nerve (CN VII) and vestibulocochlear nerve (CN VIII).<\/p>\n<p>The <strong>arterial blood<\/strong> is supplied to pons by branches of the basilar artery as well as branches of anterior, superior and inferior cerebellar arteries.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The important functions performed by pons include;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Respiratory control via Pnuemotaxic center and Apneustic center<\/li>\n<li>Relay of fibers from cerebrum to cerebellum<\/li>\n<li>Nuclei of four cranial nerves<\/li>\n<li>Passage to corticonuclear and corticospinal tracts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The important pathologies that can impair the functions of pons include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Pontine tumors<\/li>\n<li>Pontine hemorrhage<\/li>\n<li>Infraction<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"References\"><\/span>References<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<ol>\n<li><em>Henry Gray (1862).&nbsp;<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com\/books?id=btSyie_UtxAC&amp;pg=PA514\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Anatomy, descriptive and surgical<\/em><\/a><em>. Blanchard and Lea. pp.&nbsp;514\u2013. Retrieved&nbsp;10 November&nbsp;2010<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Saladin Kenneth S.(2007) Anatomy &amp; physiology the unity of form and function. Dubuque, IA: McGraw-Hill<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Carpenter, M (1985).&nbsp;Core text of neuroanatomy&nbsp;(3rd ed.). Williams &amp; Wilkins. p.&nbsp;42.&nbsp;<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Standard_Book_Number\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>ISBN<\/em><\/a><em>&nbsp;<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/0683014552\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>0683014552<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n<li><em>Pritchard, TE &amp; Alloway, D (1999).&nbsp;<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/books.google.com\/books\/about\/Medical_neuroscience.html?id=m7Y80PcFHtsC\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Medical neuroscience<\/em><\/a><em>. Hayes Barton Press.&nbsp;<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/International_Standard_Book_Number\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>ISBN<\/em><\/a><em>&nbsp;<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Special:BookSources\/978-1-59377-200-0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>978-1-59377-200-0<\/em><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/braininfo.rprc.washington.edu\/centraldirectory.aspx?ID=541\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>&#8220;BrainInfo&#8221;<\/em><\/a><em>.&nbsp;braininfo.rprc.washington.edu<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Table of Contents Boost Your Brain with Mind Lab Pro Benefits Anatomy of PonsLocationExternal FeaturesInternal FeaturesAt the level of Facial &#8230; <\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more-container\"><a title=\"The Pons Function\" class=\"read-more button\" href=\"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/pons\/#more-858\" aria-label=\"Read more about The Pons Function\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_generate-full-width-content":"","kt_blocks_editor_width":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-858","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/858","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=858"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/858\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3761,"href":"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/858\/revisions\/3761"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=858"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=858"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/human-memory.net\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=858"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}