Our brain is how we communicate and send messages to every organ, cell, and tissue in our body. it analyzes the world around us and makes decision based on information given to it from our surroundings.  

The Pons is part of the brainstem.  Here are some functions of the Pons:

1. Contributes to pain perception and the processing of pain
2. Helps with parasympathetic adaptation and function
3. Communicates with the cerebellum which is key for balance and posture
4. Houses cranial nerves 4, 5, 6 and 7. These help send messages to our eyes and face.
   Cranial nerve 4:
   Cranial nerve 5: Trigeminal Nerve: This has 3 branches that go across the face.  It controls the muscles for chewing and sensation to the face
   Cranial nerve 6: Abducens nerve: It does exactly what it says, it abducts the eye
   Cranial nerve 7: Vestibular nerve: Helps with balance and because of its connection with the cochlear nerve, it helps with hearing.
   
   What are some of the key functions of the Pons?
   
   * Helps regulate your sleep.  When waking up, it helps your body become alert and wake up
   * Manages pain signals by relaying signals from the neck down.
   
   How can we activate the pons to keep it healthy?
   1. Make faces and move the facial nerve around
   2. Vestibular exercises
   3. Tasting food with the front portion of the tongue
   4. Take a QTip or cotton swab to the face to stimulate the sensory portion of the Trigeminal Nerve
   
   Dr. Amie Gregory, DC, CCEP, ANF is a San Francisco, CA and San Carlos, CA chiropractor that understands full body health.  She works with athletes, expectant moms, office workers and everyone else in between.  Contact our San Francisco, CA chiropractic office or San Carlos, CA chiropractic office today!
   
   Resources:
   https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23003-pons#:~:text=Your%20pons%20is%20a%20part,in%20your%20head%20and%20face.