Lecture 1 - Mirror Neurons Overview

Neurons that fire both when an individual performs an action and when they observe another individual performing the same action. They were first discovered in monkeys.

A study where two monkeys were involved: one picked up a banana while the other observed. The same neurons fired in both monkeys, suggesting a neurological basis for understanding actions.

The collection of brain regions involved in mirror neuron activity, including the premotor cortex, parietal cortex, and other areas.

A theory suggesting that individuals with autism may have difficulties with understanding social situations due to impairments in their mirror neuron system.

The ability to understand the actions, intentions, and goals of others by simulating them internally.

A type of mirror neuron that fires for identical actions observed and performed.

A type of mirror neuron that fires for similar actions observed and performed.

A type of mirror neuron that fires for different actions observed and performed, with no clear relationship.

A type of mirror neuron that responds to both visual and auditory cues related to an action. For example, a neuron might fire when a monkey sees a peanut being crushed, but also when it hears the sound of the peanut being crushed.

A subset of mirror neurons that fire when a monkey observes an action and when the monkey can infer the goal of the action, even if they don't see the action itself.

Mirror neurons that respond to both object-oriented actions (actions involving objects) and pantomimed actions (actions without objects).

Neurons in the ventral premotor cortex (area F5) that fire during both the observation and execution of a specific action, especially when that action has a goal.

A type of neuron in the monkey brain that fires when a specific action is performed, regardless of whether it is with the dominant or non-dominant hand, or with different tools.

The ability to understand and imitate actions even when they are performed with unconventional tools, demonstrating that MNs code for the goal of an action, not the specific movements involved.

The decrease in the activity of the mu rhythm (a brainwave pattern) during the observation or execution of an action, indicating that the mirror neuron system is active.

Neurons responsible for the understanding and imitation of actions in humans, located in similar brain regions as those found in monkeys.

The ability to understand the goals and intentions behind observed actions, even when they are performed for no apparent purpose.

The ability to accurately replicate or imitate the actions of others.

Brain areas associated with action execution (doing) and action observation (watching) overlap, suggesting a shared neural mechanism for understanding actions.

fMRI and EEG techniques are not sensitive enough to detect subtle differences in neuron activity that might reveal unique "mirror properties".

Instead of looking for specific neurons, studies may simply assume that activation in "motor areas" indicates mirror neurons.

Studies often lack an action execution condition, focusing solely on action observation. This makes it challenging to definitively identify mirror neurons.

Human mirror neuron studies have focused primarily on fMRI, TMS, and EEG, providing indirect evidence. However, direct evidence for mirror neurons with "mirror properties" has been obtained through single-neuron recordings.

The human mirror neuron system is not limited to traditional motor areas like premotor cortex; it extends to other areas like the hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus.

Mirror neurons are involved in understanding the intentions behind actions, not just the actions themselves.

The understanding of intentions is an automatic process facilitated by the motor system, suggesting a close link between action, perception, and intention.