Final answer:
The ability to perceive one's position and movement in space is known as proprioception. This sense contributes to balance and coordinated movement, and is tested through methods such as the Romberg test. Proprioception is different from kinesthesia, which is about the movement of the body through space, and from the vestibular sense, which relates to balance and spatial orientation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ability to perceive your position and movement of the body or limbs in space is known as proprioception. Proprioception is one of our general sensory perceptions that provides detailed information about the location and movement of different body parts, which is often referred to as the "sense of the self." This sense is vital for maintaining balance and carrying out coordinated movements. For instance, the Romberg test assesses proprioceptive abilities, as it requires patients to maintain balance without visual inputs, relying solely on their body's sensory feedback.
In contrast, kinesthesia refers to the perception of the body's movement through space, and while it is related to proprioception, it is not the same. The vestibular sense, on the other hand, is an organism's sense of spatial orientation and balance, and is closely associated with the inner ear. Spatial awareness is a more general term that encompasses an individual's perception of the space around them and their location within it, which involves multiple sensory inputs including vision.