Final answer:
The vestibular system works with the visual and somatosensory systems to maintain balance, not on its own and does not directly contribute to hearing sensitivity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The vestibular system is crucial in maintaining our sense of balance, but it does not work in isolation. The correct answer to the student's question is that the vestibular system b. works with the visual and somatosensory systems to maintain balance. This complex system includes the utricle, the saccule, and three semicircular canals which work in conjunction to detect head orientation and movement.
The vestibular nerve carries crucial information to the brain for the maintenance of equilibrium. However, contrary to one of the options provided, the vestibular system does not directly contribute to hearing sensitivity; instead, it is closely related to the auditory system both anatomically and through the shared vestibulocochlear nerve. The main task of the vestibular system is to coordinate balance and spatial orientation. Hence, the most accurate answer to the student's question is option b.