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proprioception
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Diagram of the human vestibular system showing the membranous labyrinth with labeled structures for balance: the cristae in the semicircular ducts and the maculae in the utricle and saccule. Insets detail the crista with hair cells and cupula, and the macula with hair cells, otolithic membrane, and supporting structures. Diagram showing how the maculae in the inner ear respond to gravity for balance. One panel illustrates upright hair cells when the head is upright, and another shows tilted hair cells when the head bends forward, helping maintain static equilibrium. Diagram showing the physiology of balance with two main parts: at left, a cross-section of the crista in the horizontal canal with labeled hair bundles, hair cells, and cupula above a stationary person; at right, the same structures during head rotation above a spinning person, illustrating how the cupula shifts to detect movement.
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Diagram of the human vestibular system showing the membranous labyrinth with labeled structures for balance: the cristae in the semicircular ducts and the maculae in the utricle and saccule. Insets detail the crista with hair cells and cupula, and the macula with hair cells, otolithic membrane, and supporting structures.
vestibular system The membranous labyrinth of the vestibular system, which contains the organs of balance—(lower left) the cristae of the semicircular ducts and (lower right) the maculae of the utricle and saccule.

proprioception

biology
Also known as: balance, equilibrium
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proprioception, the perception by an animal of stimuli relating to its own position, posture, equilibrium, or internal condition. The coordination of movements requires continuous awareness of the position of each limb. The receptors in the skeletal (striated) muscles and on the surfaces of tendons of vertebrates provide constant information on the positions of limbs and the action of muscles. Comparable organs of arthropods (e.g., insects, crustaceans) include stretch receptors located on the outsides of muscles...

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