Final answer:
Proprioceptors are specialized sensory receptors located in muscles, tendons, and joints that detect the position and movement of body parts, facilitating balance and coordinated movements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The receptors that detect the position and movement of limbs are known as proprioceptors. Proprioception is the body's ability to sense its location, movements, and actions. It is due to special sensory receptors in our muscles, tendons, and joints that provide feedback to our brain regarding limb position and motion. These sensory receptors include muscle spindles, which monitor changes in muscle length, and Golgi tendon organs, which detect tension within tendons.
Further examples of proprioceptors' function can be seen in activities that require fine motor skills, such as typing, where we rely on the sense of position without necessarily looking at our fingertips. This complex sensory system aids in maintaining posture, balance, and coordination during movement. The central nervous system processes information received from proprioceptors to help direct and adjust muscle activity, maintaining our equilibrium and smooth motor actions.