How do mirror neurons work?
Quick Answer
Mirror neurons are cells that fire both when you act and when you see someone else do the same action. They are thought to help with understanding actions and imitation.
The Full Story
Mirror neurons were first identified in primates and are active both during performing an action and observing that action in others. They are often discussed in relation to imitation, learning by observation, and understanding other people’s actions. In humans, similar systems are thought to involve parts of the premotor and parietal cortex. Scientists still debate how much these neurons explain about social behavior, but they are an important part of the brain’s action-perception network.
Key Facts
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"The neurons that fire when you watch someone else move"