Final answer:
The vestibular nerves connect to the vestibular nuclei located in the brain stem and cerebellum, which play critical roles in balance and the vestibulo-ocular reflex.
Step-by-step explanation:
The vestibular nerves lead to four vestibular nuclei that are located in the brain stem and cerebellum. These vestibular nuclei are key targets of the vestibular component of the eighth cranial nerve, which is responsible for the sense of equilibrium. Information about balance from the vestibule, specifically the utricle, saccule, and semicircular canals, is carried by axons from the vestibular ganglion to these nuclei. Additionally, the vestibular system is heavily involved in the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR), which ensures stabilization of images on the retina during head and body movement. The precise location can be found in the superior medulla.