pons

¹

[ ponz ]

noun

, Anatomy.

, plural pon·tes [pon, -teez].

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.

Pons

²

[ ponz; French pawns ]

noun

1. Lil·y [lil, -ee, lee-, lee], 1904–76, U.S. operatic soprano, born in France.

pons

/ pɒnz /

noun

1. a bridge of connecting tissue
2. short for pons Varolii

pons

/ pŏnz /

, Plural pontes pŏn′tēz

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pons¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of pons¹

Latin: bridge

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

The pons is responsible for basic biological functions, like breathing and sensory perception; by contrast, the cortex, a higher brain region, governs conscious thought and actions.

From New York Times