Word
pons
US/ˈpɑnz/
UK/pˈɒnz/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a small rounded part at the base of your brain that carries messages between your brain and body.
n. a broad band of nerve fibres in the brainstem between the medulla and the midbrain that relays signals between the cerebrum and the cerebellum.
Examples
“The pons helps carry signals inside the brain.”
“During the anatomy class, the teacher pointed to the pons on the brain model and explained its role in sleep.”
“Damage to the pons can disrupt breathing and facial movement because so many nerve pathways pass through this narrow bridge in the brainstem.”
Examples
simple
“The pons helps carry signals inside the brain.”
contextual
“During the anatomy class, the teacher pointed to the pons on the brain model and explained its role in sleep.”
complex
“Damage to the pons can disrupt breathing and facial movement because so many nerve pathways pass through this narrow bridge in the brainstem.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “pons” in context.
Verb
01. compress pons
“A large acoustic neuroma can compress the pons and cause facial numbness.”
verb + noun
02. damage pons
“A basilar artery stroke can damage the pons and impair breathing.”
verb + noun
03. involve pons
“Multiple sclerosis plaques often involve the pons in advanced disease.”
verb + noun
04. pons connects
“The pons connects the cerebral cortex to the cerebellum for coordinated movement.”
noun + verb
05. pons regulates
“The pons regulates sleep cycles and respiratory rhythm with the medulla.”
noun + verb
06. pons relays
“The pons relays sensory signals between the cerebrum and cerebellum.”
noun + verb
Adjective
07. dorsal pons
“Lesions of the dorsal pons can disrupt eye movements and facial sensation.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. base of pons
“The basilar artery runs along the groove at the base of the pons.”
noun + prep + noun
09. infarct of pons
“An infarct of the pons often presents with sudden weakness and dizziness.”
noun + prep + noun
10. lesion of pons
“A small lesion of the pons can cause double vision and slurred speech.”
noun + prep + noun
11. infarct of the ventral pons
“The patient recovered well after an infarct of the ventral pons.”
12. lesion in the dorsal pons
“The scan revealed a small lesion in the dorsal pons affecting gaze control.”
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin pōns (“bridge”). Doublet of Pontus.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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