Proprioception

Schematics and images of types of limb proprioceptor neurons in mammals (top) and insects (bottom)[1]

Proprioception (/ˌproʊpri.oʊˈsɛpʃən, -ə-/[2][3] PROH-pree-oh-SEP-shən, -⁠ə-) is the sense of self-movement, force, and body position.[1][4]

Proprioception is mediated by proprioceptors, sensory receptors, located within muscles, tendons, and joints.[1] Most animals possess multiple subtypes of proprioceptors, which detect distinct kinesthetic parameters, such as joint position, movement, and load. Although all mobile animals possess proprioceptors, the structure of the sensory organs can vary across species.

Proprioceptive signals are transmitted to the central nervous system, where they are integrated with information from other sensory systems, such as the visual system and the vestibular system, to create an overall representation of body position, movement, and acceleration. In many animals, sensory feedback from proprioceptors is essential for stabilizing body posture and coordinating body movement.

  1. ^ a b c Tuthill JC, Azim E (1 March 2018). "Proprioception". Current Biology. 28 (5): R194–R203. Bibcode:2018CBio...28.R194T. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2018.01.064. PMID 29510103.
  2. ^ "proprioception". Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary. Merriam-Webster.
  3. ^ "proprioceptive". OxfordDictionaries.com. Archived from the original on September 3, 2012. Retrieved 2016-01-20.
  4. ^ Balasubramanian R, Santos V (3 January 2014). The Human Hand as an Inspiration for Robot Hand Development. Springer. p. 127. ISBN 978-3-319-03017-3. Proprioception also includes the ability to perceive force and heaviness, the history of which has been less controversial than the senses of limb position and movement. The sense of force refers to the ability to perceive the force that is generated by the muscles and its primary receptor is the Golgi tendon organ.