(băl′ăns)
[Pronunciation]
[L. bilanx]

1. Scale; a device for measuring weight.
2. A state of equilibrium; condition in which the intake and output of substances such as water and nutrients are approx. equal.

See: homeostasis
3. Coordination and stability of the body in space.
Normal balance depends on information from the vestibular system in the inner ear, from other senses such as sight and touch, from proprioception and muscle movement, and from the integration of these sensory data by the cerebellum.

Subentries:
acid-base balance
analytical balance
fluid balance
metabolic balance
nitrogen balance