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kinesthesis

sensory phenomenon
Also known as: kinaesthetic sense, kinesthesia, motion sense

Quick Summary

Kinesthesis, also known as the "feeling of motion," is a sensory experience derived from receptors in your muscles, tendons, and joints. It allows you to be aware of your body's position and movement, even with your eyes closed. This sense provides information about muscle contraction, stretch, and tension, playing a crucial role in coordinating both reflex and voluntary movements.12

The sensory structures involved include neuromuscular spindles, Golgi tendon organs, and joint receptors. These receptors send signals to the brain, particularly the cerebellum, which helps in the automatic control of bodily movement. Kinesthesis is a vital part of proprioception, which is the body's awareness of its own position, posture, and equilibrium.234

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