Pontine tegmentum

The pontine tegmentum, or dorsal pons, is the dorsal part of the pons located within the brainstem. The ventral part or ventral pons is known as the basilar part of the pons, or basilar pons. Along with the dorsal surface of the medulla oblongata, it forms part of the rhomboid fossa – the floor of the fourth ventricle.

The pontine tegmentum is all the material dorsal from the basilar pons to the fourth ventricle, and includes the reticulotegmental nucleus, the pedunculopontine nucleus, the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus, and several cranial nerve nuclei. It also houses the pontine respiratory group of the respiratory center which includes the pneumotaxic centre, and the apneustic centre.