Proprioception (prō'prē-ō-sěp'shən) n.
The unconscious perception of movement and spatial orientation arising from stimuli within the body itself. In humans, these stimuli are detected by nerves within the body itself, as well as by the semicircular canals of the inner ear. - The American Heritage Science Dictionary
In other words, Proprioception is your ability to perceive your own position in space and objects around you.
Example: I am able to coordinate my arm and hand, and grasp with my fingers to pick up a cup of coffee standing on the table. I am also able to walk around the room without crashing into obstacles like living room furnishings.
Its something we don't naturally think about, but once you do; your amazed at how we are able to effortlessly move our bodies around world clutter.
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Above is a diagram showing how a impulse is sent from the brain to the muscle to stimulate a muscle contraction |