<P> The next structure rostral to the medulla is the pons, which lies on the ventral anterior side of the brainstem . Nuclei in the pons include pontine nuclei which work with the cerebellum and transmit information between the cerebellum and the cerebral cortex . In the dorsal posterior pons lie nuclei that have to do with breathing, sleep and taste . </P> <P> The midbrain (or mesencephalon) is situated above and rostral to the pons, and includes nuclei linking distinct parts of the motor system, among others the cerebellum, the basal ganglia and both cerebral hemispheres . Additionally parts of the visual and auditory systems are located in the mid brain, including control of automatic eye movements . </P> <P> The brainstem at large provides entry and exit to the brain for a number of pathways for motor and autonomic control of the face and neck through cranial nerves, and autonomic control of the organs is mediated by the tenth cranial (vagus) nerve . A large portion of the brainstem is involved in such autonomic control of the body . Such functions may engage the heart, blood vessels, pupillae, among others . </P> <P> The brainstem also hold the reticular formation, a group of nuclei involved in both arousal and alertness . </P>

Organs of the central nervous system and their functions