Background　Propofol is one of the most common intravenous general anesthetics used in current clinical practices. The anesthetic mechanism of propofol, particularly the functional targets of propofol within the brain, has not yet been fully clarified.　Objective　To discuss which domains may be the target locations of propofol in the brain.　Content　To expound the possible correlation between the anesthetic mechanism of propofol and endogenous sleep hypothalamic pathway, ascending reticular activating system, thalamic cortical network or thalamic reticular nucleus.　Trend　To reveal the initial nuclei or related area in the brain of the anesthetic effect of propofol will possess important guiding significance for avoiding the adverse consequences of much deep or much light anesthesia, reducing the complications of anesthesia and developing more effective anesthetic drugs.