Mirror Neurons

Mirror neurons. A new type of neuron--called a mirror neuron--could help explain how we learn through mimicry and why we empathize with others. Mirror neurons are multimodal association neurons that increase their activity during the execution of certain actions and while hearing or seeing corresponding actions being performed by others.

The Mirror Neuron Revolution. Thus the neuron mirrors the behavior of the other as though the observer were itself acting. Thus the neurons mirror others actions.

October 2005 Vol 36 No. The fact that your brain has the same reaction in each situation explains learning through imitation emulation and even empathy. Mirror neuron type of sensory-motor cell located in the brain that is activated when an individual performs an action or observes another individual performing the same action.

For instance even Gregory Hickok perhaps the most prominent critic of the hype surrounding mirror neurons. Humans are social beings programmed to learn from others. When you see someone smile for example your mirror neurons for smiling fire up too creating a sensation in your own mind of the feeling associated with smiling.

Mirror neurons have begun to assume a humbler identity than was initially theorized but it is important to remember that despite recent criticism their activity may still play an important role in many behaviors. These neurons respond to someone elses action just as if you yourself were doing it. The Mirror System Hypothesis claims that brain mechanisms for language evolved atop a mirror system for grasping through the successive emergence of systems for imitation pantomime and protosign a system of conventionalized gestures.

Engelstalig filmpje over spiegelneuronen. We review next the characteristics of the mirror-neuron system in humans. Neuroscientist Marco Iacoboni discusses mirror neurons autism and the potentially damaging effects of violent movies.