Pons

A prominent, bulged section of the brainstem located just in front of the cerebellum. The pons functions as a vital communication bridge, carrying nerve signals back and forth between the spinal cord, cerebellum, and upper brain regions. It plays a key role in regulating automatic functions like breathing and sleep, while also relaying sensory information and motor commands throughout the nervous system. A brain region that partly explains the startle reflex.

Reference:

Moini, J., Koenitzer, J., & LoGalbo, A. (2021). Global emergency of mental disorders. Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-85837-3.00023-6