Vestibulocochlear nerve
243326
219079232
2008-06-13T13:51:22Z
Bertrand Bellet
6560094
+fr:
{{Infobox Nerve |
Name = Vestibulocochlear nerve |
Latin = |
GraySubject = 203 |
Image = Gray789.png |
Caption = The course and connections of the [[facial nerve]] in the [[temporal bone]] |
Innervates = |
BranchFrom = |
BranchTo = [[cochlear nerve]], [[vestibular nerve]] |
MeshName = Vestibulocochlear+Nerve |
MeshNumber = A08.800.800.120.910 |
}}
The '''vestibulocochlear nerve''' (also known as the '''auditory''' or '''acoustic nerve''') is the eighth of twelve [[cranial nerves]], and is responsible for transmitting sound and equilibrium (balance) information from the [[inner ear]] to the [[brain]].
==Structure==
This is the [[nerve]] along which the sensory cells (the [[hair cells]]) of the [[inner ear]] transmit information to the [[brain]]. It consists of the [[cochlear nerve]], carrying information about [[hearing (sense)|hearing]], and the [[vestibular nerve]], carrying information about [[balance]].
It emerges from the [[medulla oblongata]] and enters the inner [[skull]] via the [[internal acoustic meatus]] (or [[internal auditory meatus]]) in the [[temporal bone]], along with the [[facial nerve]].
==Functions==
The eighth cranial nerve has two prime roles. It is needed to convey information of vestibular sensation - that is, the position and movement of the [[head]]. Secondly, it is used for hearing.
==Innervations==
The nerve splits into two large divisions - the [[cochlear nerve]] and the [[vestibular nerve]]. Broadly speaking, the cochlear nerve innervates the [[cochlea]], while the vestibular nerve goes to the [[vestibular apparatus]].
==Physiology==
How hearing information is coded on the nerve has long been a matter of scientific debate between two competing theories, a [[place theory (hearing)|place theory]] and a [[rate theory (hearing)|rate theory]].
==Symptoms of damage==
vertigo, false sense of motion, loss of equilibrium (dark places), nystagmus, motion sickness
==Name==
Some older texts call the nerve the ''acoustic'' or ''auditory nerve'' [http://www.bartleby.com/107/203.html], but these terms have fallen out of widespread use because they fail to recognize the nerve's role in the vestibular system. ''Vestibulocochlear nerve'' is therefore preferred by most.
==Additional images==
<gallery>
Image:Gray689.png|Superficial dissection of brain-stem. Ventral view.
Image:Gray705.png|Dissection showing the projection fibers of the cerebellum.
Image:Gray719.png|Hind- and mid-brains; postero-lateral view.
Image:Gray792.png|Upper part of medulla spinalis and hind- and mid-brains; posterior aspect, exposed in situ.
Image:Gray922.png|Position of the right bony labyrinth of the ear in the skull, viewed from above.
Image:ThreeNeuronArc.png |[[Vestibulo-ocular reflex]]
</gallery>
==External links==
* {{LoyolaMedEd|GrossAnatomy/h_n/cn/cn1/cn8.htm}}
* {{NormanAnatomy|cranialnerves}} ({{NormanAnatomyFig|VIII}})
{{Cranial nerves}}
[[Category:Peripheral nervous system]]
[[Category:Cranial nerves]]
[[Category:Auditory system]]
[[Category:Vestibular system]]
[[Category:Head and neck]]
{{neuroscience-stub}}
[[de:Nervus vestibulocochlearis]]
[[es:Nervio auditivo]]
[[fr:Nerf vestibulocochléaire]]
[[it:Nervo vestibolococleare]]
[[lt:Prieangio ir sraigės nervas]]
[[nl:Nervus vestibulocochlearis]]
[[ja:内耳神経]]
[[no:Nervus vestibulocochlearis]]
[[pl:Nerw przedsionkowo-ślimakowy]]
[[pt:Nervo vestibulococlear]]
[[sr:Тремно-пужни живац]]
[[fi:Kuulo-tasapainohermo]]
[[zh:前庭耳蝸神經]]