The pons is a small primitive structure in the mammalian brain. By primitive, researchers mean that it is found in mammals considered to have evolved before Homo sapiens. The structure itself is small and appears insignificant compared to other more complex structures of the human brain. However, it is a very important structure for motor functions (movement) of many regions of the body. Its primary function seems to be one of integrating signals from the cerebrum to the cerebellum and sending them to the proper parts of the body. Another function involves the formation of several of the cranial nerves for the head.

When looking at fetal development of the brain, the developing pons is found at the point where the brainstem flexes or bends back on itself and eventually comes in contact with the growing cerebellum. As a result of the bending, the fourth ventricle lies just...