Question: 1 / 400
What is the name of cranial nerve VIII, which has two branches: cochlear for hearing and vestibular for balance?
Optic
Accessory
Acoustic
Cranial nerve VIII is known as the acoustic nerve, which encompasses two distinct branches: the cochlear branch that is responsible for hearing and the vestibular branch that is involved in maintaining balance and spatial orientation. This dual functionality highlights the nerve's critical role in both auditory perception and the vestibular system, which is crucial for coordinating movements and stabilizing posture.
The other nerves mentioned are distinctly different in terms of their functions. The optic nerve is primarily associated with vision, while the accessory nerve is involved in shoulder and neck movements. The trigeminal nerve focuses on sensation in the face and motor functions such as biting and chewing. Thus, the acoustic designation is unique to cranial nerve VIII, emphasizing its specific contributions to hearing and balance.
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