pons

¹ American  

[ponz] / pɒnz /

noun

Anatomy.

plural

pontes

1. Also called pons Varolii.  a band of nerve fibers in the brain connecting the lobes of the midbrain, medulla, and cerebrum.

2. any tissue connecting two parts of a body organ or structure.

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Pons ² American  

[ponz, pawns] / pɒnz, pɔ̃s /

noun

1. Lily 1904–76, U.S. operatic soprano, born in France.

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pons British  

/ pɒnz /

noun

1. a bridge of connecting tissue

2. short for pons Varolii

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pons Scientific  

/ pŏnz /

plural

pontes

1. A thick band of nerve fibers in the brainstem of humans and other mammals that links the brainstem to the cerebellum and upper portions of the brain. It is important in the reflex control of involuntary processes, including respiration and circulation. All neural information transmitted between the spinal cord and the brain passes through the pons.

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Etymology

Origin of pons

1685–95; < Latin pōns bridge ( punt ¹ )

Example Sentences

However, messages coming down from the pons actually inhibit activity in the medulla, leading breathing rates to slow down.

From Science Daily

A second M.R.I. was even more revealing, showing a subtle abnormality in a region called the pons that was just like one noted in Andrea’s imaging.

From New York Times

“One on his lower spine, one intertwined with his brain stem and two behind his pons,” McKenzie Allen said.

From Seattle Times

Ross, G. S. & Sinnamon, H. M. Forelimb and hindlimb stepping by the anesthetized rat elicited by electrical stimulation of the pons and medulla.

From Nature

He determined that a structure within the brainstem called the pons governed cats’ REM sleep.

From New York Times