The<unk>  or nucleus reticularis pontis<unk> is is an portion of the reticular formation, composed of gigantocellular neurons. In rabbits and cats it is exclusively giant cells, however in humans there are normally sized cells as well. The<unk>  is rostral to the gigantocellular reticular nucleus and is located in the<unk>  pons. The<unk>  has been known to mediate head movement, in concert with the gigantocellular nucleus and the superior colliculus. The neurons in the dorsal half of this nucleus fire rhythmically during mastication, and in an anesthetized animal it is possible to induce mastication via electrical stimulation of the nucleus reticularis pontis<unk> is or adjacent areas of the gigantocellular nucleus. The<unk>  is also thought to play a role in the grinding of teeth during sleep. The region also suppresses muscle tone during REM sleep, activates eye movements, and decreases the sensory input to the cerebral cortex, specifically the primary and sensory somatosensory cortices.
Caudal pontine reticular nucleus
Paramedian reticular nucleus
Paramedian pontine reticular formation
Medial pulvinar nucleus
Gigantocellular reticular nucleus
Rostral ventrolateral medulla
Thalamic reticular nucleus
Reticulotegmental nucleus