pons (like 'ponds' but without the 'd')

• A caudal part of the brainstem that has many sensory (ascending) and motor (descending) fibers as well as the reticular formation in its tegmentum.

• It is parts of the latter structure that are important for the level of consciousness and for sleep.

• Other striking features of the pons are: a) its large ventral or anterior part, the basis pontis, b) the middle cerebellar peduncle, and c) the superior cerebellar peduncle.

• All three structures are linked to the cerebellum which sits on the posterior side of the pons. Thus, damage to any of those pontine structures would result in impaired coordination of movement and/or posture.

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Locked-In Syndrome