The pons, also referred to as pons Varoli, is a formation consisting of nerve fibers that is located on the brain stem. It is situated directly above the medulla and below the midbrain. The main function of this structure is to pass information between the cerebellum and cerebrum. In addition, it helps to send other messages to the brain, manage arousal feelings, and monitor respiration.
Some scientists believe that the structure is an important part of dreaming, since it is responsible for Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. REM sleep is an essential part of any sleep cycle, though the elimination of REM sleep does not necessarily result in the elimination of dreams. Based upon this fact, other scientists argue that it plays no part in regards to dreams.
Anatomically, the pons looks like an elongated doorknob, and it is formed from nerves that run horizontally from the left to the right. The back of this structure forms the fourth ventricle of the brain. It is subject to a disease called central pontine myelinosis, which can lead to death if not treated right away.
Central pontine myelinosis is generally caused by a lack of sodium in the blood. Symptoms of this disease include paralysis, difficulty swallowing, and difficulty speaking. Anyone suffering from these symptoms should consult with a medical professional right away. While there is little treatment available for this disease, it can be avoided by having sodium levels checked regularly during a routine physical examination.
When this disease strikes, those patients that recover are often left with stroke-like symptoms. Since the brain is filled with many different sensitive structures, damage to any portion can be is severe. Patients who have suffered from this disease cannot recover completely, though some learn to live normal lives again following proper and careful treatment.
There is a lot of speculation surrounding the pons area of the brain. During the 1970s, many physicians and scientists alike thought that this structure was responsible for a number of sleep-related ailments. Even though these theories have largely been disproved, this structure still remains shrouded in mystery. In fact, there are many areas of the brain that have not been completely revealed. As scientists study different areas of the human brain, certain behaviors and physical ailments are better understood. The brain has been studied since the beginning of mankind, though today's technology makes studying the brain a little bit easier.