Which cranial nerve is known for its role in hearing and balance?

The cranial nerve known for its role in hearing and balance is the vestibulocochlear nerve. This nerve, also referred to as cranial nerve VIII, has two main branches: the cochlear branch, which is responsible for transmitting sound information from the inner ear to the brain, and the vestibular branch, which helps maintain balance and spatial orientation by sending signals that inform the brain about the position and movement of the head.

In the context of the other cranial nerves listed, the trigeminal nerve primarily deals with sensations in the face and motor functions such as biting and chewing, making it unrelated to hearing or balance. The facial nerve is involved mainly in controlling the muscles of facial expression and carrying taste sensations from the anterior part of the tongue, but it does not play a direct role in hearing or balance. Finally, the accessory nerve primarily controls certain neck and shoulder muscles and is not involved in sensory functions related to hearing or balance.

Thus, the vestibulocochlear nerve is the correct answer due to its critical functions in the auditory and vestibular systems.