[1][2] It is involved in voluntary movements,[3] arousal, and provides sensory feedback to the cerebral cortex and one of the main components of the ascending reticular activating system.

[2] Its neurons project axons to a wide range of areas in the brain,[9] particularly parts of the basal ganglia such as the subthalamic nucleus, substantia nigra pars compacta, and globus pallidus internus.

[4][5] The pedunculopontine nucleus is involved in many functions, including arousal, attention, learning, reward, and voluntary limb movements and locomotion.

[3][11] While once thought important to the initiation of movement, recent research suggests a role in providing sensory feedback to the cerebral cortex.

[11] Research is being done on whether deep brain stimulation of the pedunculopontine nucleus might be used to improve the gait and postural difficulties found in Parkinson's disease.