Which nerve transmits electrical signals from the cochlea to the brain?

The auditory nerve, also known as the cochlear nerve, is responsible for transmitting electrical signals generated by the cochlea to the brain. When sound waves enter the ear, they cause vibrations in the cochlea, leading to the stimulation of hair cells located within the cochlear structure. These hair cells convert the mechanical vibrations into electrical impulses. Once these impulses are created, the auditory nerve carries them through the auditory pathways to the brain, where they are interpreted as sound.

This direct pathway from the cochlea to the brain is essential for the process of hearing, enabling us to perceive sounds, understand speech, and appreciate musical tones. The function of the auditory nerve is crucial for auditory processing, making it the primary nerve associated with hearing as opposed to the other nerves listed in the question, which serve different functions in the body.