Which cranial nerve provides vision?

The optic nerve is responsible for vision because it transmits visual information from the retina in the eye to the brain. The retina contains photoreceptor cells that respond to light and convert it into electrical signals. These signals are then carried through the optic nerve to the visual cortex in the brain, where they are interpreted as visual images. This function is crucial for sight, making the optic nerve essential for vision.

The other cranial nerves mentioned serve different functions: the abducens nerve is involved in the movement of the lateral rectus muscle of the eye, which helps control eye movement; the vestibulocochlear nerve is responsible for hearing and balance; and the facial nerve is primarily associated with facial expression and taste sensations. Thus, the optic nerve's role specifically in processing visual information underscores its importance in the visual system.