Research on the role of the Pons in affective processing has been scarce. Recent animal work has shown that the direct projection from the eyes to the dorsal raphe nucleus modulates affective behaviours. Our previous human work has confirmed a functionally analogous pathway between the optic chiasm and the Pons, which facilitates the processing of negative affective information. Our other studies have further identified that the Pons (1) works with the distributed corticolimbic system to shape an individual's affective states and reactivity and (2) responds to short-term meditation training to modulate affective processing. These findings offer significant insight into the role of the Pons in affective processing and regulatory mechanisms.

Upon conclusion of this course, learners will be able to:

1. 1. Discuss the functional roles of the pons in affective processing

2. 2. Recognize that the pons is a significant neural correlate of affective processing

3. 3. List major neural correlates of the affective processing network