Which of the following is a feature of the auditory nerve?

The auditory nerve, also known as the cochlear nerve, is crucial for the transmission of auditory information from the inner ear to the brain. It carries signals from both the auditory and vestibular systems, which is why it plays a primary role in processing sounds and also maintaining balance and spatial orientation. This dual function underscores the nerve's importance in both hearing and balance.

The other options do not reflect the primary functions of the auditory nerve. The auditory nerve is not part of the visual processing pathway, which is handled by different neural pathways involving the optic nerve. It does not carry signals exclusively from outer hair cells; instead, it primarily transmits information from the inner hair cells, which are critical for sending sound information to the brain. Lastly, the auditory nerve has no role in the sensation of taste, which is processed through different cranial nerves involved with taste perception. Thus, the correct choice highlights the auditory nerve's dual role in auditory and vestibular signal transmission.