Medial pontine reticular formation (mPRF),an important part of brainstem reticular formation,has drawn great attention from anesthesiologists due to its close relation with not only consciousness, but also analgesia,muscle relaxation and autonomic reflex.Progress in related research may provide evidence for understanding the mechanism of general anesthesia;meanwhile,it may serve as an effective anesthesia target site,which may contribute to improvement in anesthetic effect and reduction of complications.