Definition of Acoustic nerve

Acoustic nerve: The eighth cranial nerve which is concerned with hearing, balance, and head position. It branches into two parts'a cochlear part that transmits sound reception for hearing and a vestibular part that senses balance and head position. Also known as the vestibulocochlear nerve.

Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=20650
Last Editorial Review: 3/19/2012