Functional operation of the balance system in daily activities.

This article presents the anatomy and physiology of the balance system focusing on the daily use of the system in normal individuals to accomplish the major goals of the system. These goals include perceptions of movement and orientation, control of eye movements for clear visualization of the world, and control of upright stance during static and dynamic tasks. When discussing various pathologies and the assessment and treatment options available, the information provided sets the foundation on which the remainder of the articles are built.