Which cranial nerve transmits sound from the inner ear?

The vestibulocochlear nerve is responsible for transmitting sound from the inner ear to the brain. This cranial nerve, also known as cranial nerve VIII, has two main components: the cochlear branch, which specifically carries auditory information, and the vestibular branch, which is involved in balance and spatial orientation. When sound waves enter the inner ear, they are converted into neural signals by the hair cells located in the cochlea. These signals are then transmitted along the cochlear branch of the vestibulocochlear nerve to the auditory cortex of the brain, where they are interpreted as sound.

The optic nerve relates to vision and does not have any role in hearing. The oculomotor and abducens nerves predominantly control eye movements and are not involved in the auditory system at all. Thus, the vestibulocochlear nerve is the only one among the choices listed that plays a direct role in hearing, making it the correct answer.