Final answer:
The kinesthetic function, as part of the proprioceptive system, is responsible for a gymnast's awareness of their body's general orientation and relative position of its parts while balancing on a beam. This function works in conjunction with the vestibular system to maintain balance and coordinate movements. option c is answer
Step-by-step explanation:
When a gymnast balances on a beam, they rely on a key sensory function known as the kinesthetic function. This function is part of our proprioceptive system, which provides information about the relative position of the limbs and the body. Kinesthetic sense is crucial for movement and balance, allowing an athlete to be aware of their body's orientation without necessarily relying on visual cues.
This sensory function is complemented by the vestibular system, located in the inner ear, which includes the semicircular canals that help detect motion and maintain balance. This system works together with sensors in the muscles and joints to send signals to the brain about body position and movement, enabling precise control over the gymnast's maneuvers.
The proprioceptive and vestibular senses, along with inputs from visual and auditory systems, collectively allow the gymnast to perform complex routines on the balance beam. The gymnast's brain processes these inputs to help coordinate the skeletal muscles via the peripheral nervous system to maintain stability and balance during their performance. option c is answer