Briefly discuss what mirror neurons are, how they work and what implications any recent discoveries may hold for future research. What are the evolutionary implications for mirror neurons existence?

Ciccarelli: Psychology_5 (5th Edition)
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ISBN:9780134477961
Author:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White
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Briefly discuss what mirror neurons are, how they work and what implications any recent discoveries may hold for future research. What are the evolutionary implications for mirror neurons existence? 

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Neuron and mirror neurons

A neuron is a basic building block of the nervous system and is responsible for transmitting information throughout the brain and body. A typical neuron consists of a cell body, dendrites, and an axon, which transmit electrical and chemical signals to other neurons.

A mirror neuron is a type of neuron that fires both when an individual performs a particular action and when they observe someone else performing the same action. This discovery was first made in monkeys and has since been observed in humans, suggesting that the phenomenon is not unique to a single species.

The concept of mirror neurons is significant because it provides new insight into how the brain processes social information and how we are able to understand and respond to the actions of others. Research has shown that mirror neurons are activated in a number of regions of the brain, including the motor cortex, premotor cortex, and the inferior parietal lobule. This suggests that mirror neurons play a role in linking perception and action, allowing individuals to rapidly imitate and learn from others.

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