Rachna is an expert gymnast on the balance beam. She has been vigorously practising for the Olympic Games. Lately, she has been experiencing dizziness and losing her balance during the practice sessions.
Which type of balance is maintained by the structure mentioned in (a)?
Topic: Dynamic balance
Answer
DYNAMIC BALANCE (the balance of the body while in motion).
THE PAIR TO DISTINGUISH, and the question is set precisely to test it: DYNAMIC balance — maintained by the SEMICIRCULAR CANALS; the balance of the body IN MOTION, during rotation, turning or sudden changes of direction. STATIC balance — maintained by the UTRICULUS and SACCULUS; the position of the body AT REST, telling you which way is up.
A gymnast turning on a beam is in motion, so the canals and dynamic balance are involved.
The words themselves help: DYNAMIC means moving, STATIC means still.