Which anatomical component is responsible for transmitting sound from the cochlea to the brain?

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The component responsible for transmitting sound from the cochlea to the brain is the auditory nerve, specifically the fibers of the eighth cranial nerve, known as CN8 or vestibulocochlear nerve. When sound waves enter the ear, they cause vibrations in the cochlea, where hair cells located in the organ of Corti convert these vibrations into electrical signals. These signals are then transmitted via the auditory nerve fibers to various brain structures for further processing.

The reference to "CN8 Depolarization" indicates the process by which the hair cells in the cochlea transmit signals through the auditory nerve when activated by sound. This depolarization is crucial as it translates sound stimuli into a form that the brain can interpret, leading to the perception of sound.

The other anatomical components listed serve different functions in the auditory and vestibular systems. The sensory cortex processes sound but does not directly transmit it from the cochlea. The vestibule is involved in balance rather than hearing. The inferior colliculus, while important in auditory processing, acts as a relay station for sound information before it reaches the thalamus and then the auditory cortex. Thus, the correct choice emphasizes the crucial role of the auditory nerve (CN8) in sound transmission.

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