An oval mass of white mater, present above the medulla oblongata acts as respiratory pneumotaxic centre and they are Pons varoli.

Pons Varoli is situated in front of the cerebellum below the midbrain and above the medulla oblongata. It relays impulses between the medulla oblongata and more superior part of the brain, between the hemispheres of the cerebellum and between the cerebrum and cerebellum. It contains centre that work with those in the medulla to regulate breathing.