Question

33. The pons is located between the medulla and other brain areas. It is responsible for which of the following?

(A) Motor coordination
(B) Seeing and hearing
(C) Sleep and arousal
(D) Balance
(E) Emotional reactions

Answer 1

The pons, located in the brainstem, is primarily responsible for regulating sleep and arousal, particularly rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.

So, the correct answer is (C) Sleep and arousal.

Step-by-step explanation:

The pons is a critical structure located in the brainstem, which connects the rest of the brain with the spinal cord. It has several functions, including the integration of motor and sensory neurons between the brain and spinal cord, and managing autonomic functions vital to life. One of its primary responsibilities is to work in concert with other brain areas to regulate sleep and arousal.
Specifically, the pons is important for the control of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, a phase associated with dreaming. It is also involved in various autonomic functions, though these do not directly answer the student's question.

So, the correct answer is (C) Sleep and arousal.