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Mirror neurons were first discovered by a group of psychologists and its leader, Giacomo Rizzolatti. They were researching neural activities in macaque monkeys when they came upon the effects of mirror neurons. They discovered that the monkeys' brains released the same neuron when performing an activity but also when observing it, hence the saying, "Monkey see, monkey do." For example, a task involved grabbing food. Their brains released the same neurons while watching the psychologists grab foods. This relationship is due to the effects of mirror neurons.

These neurons naturally allow us to react and imitate our surroundings. Happy people are usually around other happy people. A smile is mirrored by another smile. Feeling someone's pain in a football game even though you are not in the game itself is another example of mirror neuron activities. When children are born, they imitate the actions of others, such as the parents. They develop a schema for when to smile, cross the street, or how to handle food.

Those diagnosed with autism, a social disorder, are an exception. They seem to lack mirror neural activity which explains why they cannot relate with other people. Autistic victims only focus on themselves instead of the actions of others.

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Q: What are mirror neurons?
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Related questions

What are neurons that fire when an animal observes an action being preformed by another?

Mirror neurons


How might mirror neurons play a part in observational learning?

Mirror neurons are believed to be involved in observational learning by mimicking the actions and emotions of others. When observing someone perform a task, mirror neurons may activate in the observer's brain, allowing them to understand and imitate the observed behavior. This process helps individuals learn new skills by watching and modeling the actions of others.


Mirror neurons provide a biological basis for?

observational learning


How could mirror neurons be used to help someone with strokes or missing limbs In what other ways to you think science or medicine might be able to use the function of mirror neurons to benefit patien?

Mirror neurons could be used in stroke rehabilitation by engaging the mirror neuron system through activities like mirror therapy, which can help improve motor function and aid in recovery. In the case of missing limbs, research suggests that visualizing movements performed by intact limbs can activate mirror neurons and potentially lead to improvements in motor skills and phantom limb pain. Science and medicine could further utilize mirror neurons in areas like pain management, emotional regulation, and empathy training for healthcare professionals to enhance patient care.


When are mirror neurons active?

Mirror neurons are active when an individual both performs an action and observes someone else performing the same action. They are believed to play a role in empathy, imitation, and understanding others' intentions. Mirror neurons are found in the brain's motor areas, particularly in the premotor cortex and inferior parietal lobule.


What kind of neuron fires when you observe someone elses behavior?

Mirror neurons are a type of neuron that fires both when an individual performs an action and when they observe someone else perform the same action. These neurons are thought to play a role in understanding and mimicking the actions and intentions of others, contributing to empathy and social cognition.


Which of the following are most clearly activated both by picking up a spoon and by simply watching another person pick up a spoon?

Mirror neurons are most likely activated both by picking up a spoon and by watching another person pick up a spoon. Mirror neurons are specialized brain cells that fire both when an individual performs an action and when they observe someone else perform the same action.


What is fired when an animal performs an action or when the animal observes that same action being performed?

Mirror neurons


What kind of animals show empathy?

Animals capable of empathy possess mirror neurons, like humans.


Where are Mirror neurons found in the brain?

Mirror neurons are found in various regions of the brain, including the premotor cortex, supplementary motor area, and inferior parietal lobule. These areas are involved in motor planning and execution, as well as in understanding the actions and intentions of others.


What Mirror neurons provide a biological basis?

Mirror neurons provide a biological basis for understanding empathy, imitation, and social cognition. They activate both when an individual performs an action and when they see someone else perform the same action, leading to the ability to understand and resonate with the experiences of others. This neural mechanism is believed to play a crucial role in human communication and social interaction.


What are neurons called that detect stimuli in the skin and eye?

sensory neurons