Overview & Description: Mirror neurons are neurons that fire both when an animal acts and when the animal observes the same action performed by another. This system is thought to be involved in learning through imitation and understanding the actions of others.

Example: When you watch someone lifting a glass, the same neurons that are engaged when you lift a glass are, to a degree, activated.

Implications: Mirror neurons have implications for understanding empathy, social learning, and potentially aspects of social communication deficits in disorders like autism.

References:

• Rizzolatti, G., & Craighero, L. (2004). The mirror-neuron system. Annu. Rev. Neurosci., 27, 169-192.