The origin and function of mirror neurons: the missing link.
We argue, by analogy to the neural organization of the object recognition system, that demonstration of modulation of mirror neurons by associative learning does not imply absence of genetic adaptation. Innate connectivity defines the types of processes mirror neurons can participate in while allowing for extensive local plasticity. However, the proper function of these neurons remains to be worked out.
Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, 38100 Mattarello, Italy. angelika.lingnau@unitn.it http://www.cimec.unitn.it.
Angelika
A
Lingnau
Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, 38100 Mattarello, Italy. angelika.lingnau@unitn.it http://www.cimec.unitn.it.
Alfonso
A
Caramazza
D000818:Animals; D005075:Biological Evolution; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D059167:Mirror Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D012938:Social Perception