The brainstem is located between the cerebrum and spinal cord. It consists of the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata. The midbrain connects the pons and cerebrum and contains the superior and inferior colliculi. The pons connects to the cerebellum via peduncles and contains pontine nuclei and cranial nerve nuclei. The medulla oblongata connects to the spinal cord and contains cranial nerve nuclei, the inferior olives, and tracts such as the gracile and cuneate fasciculi.