Mirror Neurons

"Mirror neurons are a particular type of neurons that discharge when an individual performs an action, as well as when he/she observes a similar action done by another individual.

In the human brain, evidence for mirror neurons is indirect (m0st studies have been done on monkeys), but, although there is no single-neuron study showing the existence of mirror neurons, functional imaging studies revealed activation of the similar area in monkey's brains during action observation.

What is the functional role of the mirror neurons? Various hypotheses have advanced: action understanding, imitation, intention understanding, and empathy. In addition, it has been suggested that mirror-neuron system is the basic neural mechanism from which language developed."

Rizzolatti, G. (2005). The mirror neuron system and its function in humans. Anat Embryol, 210, 419–421.

Other journal articles about mirror neurons:

1. Mirror neurons and the simulation theory of mind-reading

2. Understanding emotions in others: mirror neuron dysfunction in children with autism spectrum disorders
"It has recently been proposed that dysfunction of the mirror neuron system (MNS) early in development could give rise to the cascade of impairments that are characteristic of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), including deficits in imitation, theory of mind and social communication."

3. Grasping the intentions of others with one's own mirror neuron system

4. The mirror neuron system and the consequences of its dysfunction

"The discovery of premotor and parietal cells known as mirror neurons in the macaque brain that fire not only when the animal is in action, but also when it observes others carrying out the same actions provides a plausible neurophysiological mechanism for a variety of important social behaviours, from imitation to empathy. Recent data also show that dysfunction of the mirror neuron system in humans might be a core deficit in autism, a socially isolating condition. Here, we review the neurophysiology of the mirror neuron system and its role in social cognition and discuss the clinical implications of mirror neuron dysfunction."

Cool titles, no? Mirror neurons remind me of what Reevah, the brilliant clinical supervisor I had for years, used to say during supervision - "How you feel when you are with someone for five minutes tells you a lot about their inner world." So now I pay attention to how I feel when I am with someone. Paying attention without judgment as Dr. Crimmins taught me.

Being able to search, download and read journal articles for free, in any topic, using google scholar is one of the joys of being back in school. It is actually one of the reasons I applied in the first place. There ought to be a way to have access to the research literature no matter what. Otherwise, how do we stay abreast of the latest and greatest developments in our field?