Question

multiple choice question

the cochlear nerve and the vestibular nerve come together to form which cranial nerve?

accessory (xi)
vestibulocochlear (viii)
hypoglossal (xii)
abducens (vi)

Explanation:

Identify the components of the nerve

Using the Inner Ear Anatomy knowledge point
The question asks which cranial nerve is formed by the combination of the cochlear nerve (responsible for hearing) and the vestibular nerve (responsible for balance).

Match the components to the correct cranial nerve

Using the Cranial Nerves knowledge point

• Accessory (XI): Motor nerve innervating the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles.
• Vestibulocochlear (VIII): Sensory nerve formed by the union of the vestibular and cochlear nerves, transmitting sound and equilibrium information from the inner ear to the brain.
• Hypoglossal (XII): Motor nerve controlling tongue movements.
• Abducens (VI): Motor nerve controlling the lateral rectus muscle of the eye.

Therefore, the cochlear and vestibular nerves merge to form the vestibulocochlear nerve (Cranial Nerve VIII).

Answer:

• Accessory (XI)
• Vestibulocochlear (VIII) (Correct answer)
• Hypoglossal (XII)
• Abducens (VI)