PONS

A protruding part of the brain stem just above the medulla (plate 1).The pons is part of the hindbrain, the oldest portion of the brain, and contains several components: (1) transverse fibers that run to and from the cerebellum, (2) the “pontine nuclei” within this band of fibers, (3) ascending and descending tracts connecting to various levels of the nervous system, and(4) the nuclei of the trigeminal nerve (the fifth cranial nerve) which receives sensations from the face and tongue and helps to control the movements of the mouth. As the name implies, the pons, or “bridge” is primarily a transmission center between different areas of the nervous system. It also works with the cerebellum in controlling equilibrium, and assists the cerebral cortex in making our voluntary movements smooth and co-ordinated.