Structure of the Pons

• The pons is about 2.5 cm long or 1 inch. 
• It consists of nerve fibers that connect the cerebrum and the cerebellum.
• The posterior surface of the pons forms part of the wall of the fourth ventricle.
• The blood to the pons is supplied by pontine arteries.

There are two main components:

1. Ventral basal pons - It consists nerve fiber tracts, and it is the base of the pons
2. Dorsal pontine tegmentum pons - It is against the fourth ventricle and it contains the origin for four cranial nerves, the reticular activating system, nerve tracts and other nuclei.

There are also two respiratory centers located on the pons which will be on the next page.

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