pons

noun

ˈpänz 

plural pontes ˈpän-ˌtēz 

: a broad mass of chiefly transverse nerve fibers in the mammalian brain stem lying ventral to the cerebellum at the anterior end of the medulla oblongata see brain illustration

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

In subjects unable to void brain activation was documented in the frontal lobe and posterior cingulate gyrus but not in the pons, thalamus or anterior cingulate gyrus. —Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 10 July 2012

These results are interesting because the dorsal pons has previously been found to be hyperactive during migraine. —Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 22 May 2016

Damage to the pons can short-circuit its ability to paralyze the sleeping body. —Jen Rose Smith, CNN, 10 May 2022

Damage done to the pons by neurological disorders can also affect the brain's ability to paralyze the body during sleep. —Jen Rose Smith, CNN, 10 May 2022

That structure, called the pons, is located on the brainstem. —Jen Rose Smith, CNN, 10 May 2022

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, short for pons Varolii

First Known Use

1671, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing pons

• pons Varolii
• pons asinorum

• pons Varolii
• pons asinorum

Medical Definition

pons

noun

ˈpänz 

plural pontes ˈpän-ˌtēz 

: a broad mass of chiefly transverse nerve fibers in the mammalian brain stem lying ventral to the cerebellum at the anterior end of the medulla oblongata

Biographical Definition

Pons

biographical name

ˈpänz 

ˈpōⁿs

Lily 1904–1976 American (French-born) soprano