Mirror neurons and mirror systems in monkeys and humans.
Mirror neurons are a distinct class of neurons that transform specific sensory information into a motor format. Mirror neurons have been originally discovered in the premotor and parietal cortex of the monkey. Subsequent neurophysiological (TMS, EEG, MEG) and brain imaging studies have shown that a mirror mechanism is also present in humans. According to its anatomical locations, mirror mechanism plays a role in action and intention understanding, imitation, speech, and emotion feeling.
Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Sezione Fisiologia, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy.
Maddalena
M
Fabbri-Destro
Giacomo
G
Rizzolatti
D000818:Animals; D032882:Comprehension / Q000502:physiology*; D004644:Emotions / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007100:Imitative Behavior / Q000502:physiology; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000502:physiology*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology