Mirror neurons
Introduction. A Great Italian Discovery
Mirror neurons represent one of the most important discoveries in the field of neuroscience and have had a significant impact on the understanding of the human mind and social behavior. This discovery was pioneered by the research group led by Italian neuroscientist Giacomo Rizzolatti at the University of Parma in the 1990s. The discovery of mirror neurons was the result of research focused on exploring the brain regions involved in movement control and planning. Rizzolatti and his team were studying the activity of primary motor neurons in the brains of macaque monkeys, using electroencephalography (EEG) and microelectrode neurophysiology.During one of these experiments, researchers were monitoring neuronal activity in the premotor areas of a monkey’s brain while the animal performed various motor actions, such as grasping food or manipulating objects. What surprised the team was the discovery that some neurons in these brain regions activated not only when the monkey performed an action, but also when it observed another person or another monkey performing the same action. This observation was revolutionary because it suggested that the animal’s brain had the ability to “mirror” the actions of others, as if it were performing the action itself. These “reflective” neurons were called “mirror neurons” because of their characteristic of reflecting the motor activity of others.
What Mirror Neurons Are
Mirror neurons are a particular type of neuron that activates both when an individual performs a motor action and when they observe another person performing the same action. In other words, these neurons “mirror” the motor activity of others as if the individual were performing the action themselves. This ability to “mirror” others’ actions is the basis of their name.Who Has Them
Mirror neurons are present in humans and some primates, such as monkeys and chimpanzees. Their presence in these species indicates that they have an evolutionary basis and may play an important role in social interactions and the ability to imitate. It has also been observed that some birds, such as crows, may possess a primitive form of mirror neurons.Where They Are Found
Mirror neurons are present in several areas of the brain, mainly in the premotor area and the posterior parietal system. These areas are involved in movement control and planning, as well as spatial perception. It is important to emphasize that mirror neurons are not limited to a single brain region but are distributed in complex neural networks that involve many other brain regions.How They Activate
Mirror neurons activate when an individual performs a motor action, but also when they observe another person performing the same action. This activation can occur both during direct observation of another person and through viewing images or videos showing the action. Mirror neuron activation occurs automatically and unconsciously, without the need for conscious effort by the individual.Why They Are Important
Mirror neurons play a crucial role in understanding the actions of others and in the ability to imitate. Through these neurons, we are able to understand others’ intentions and emotions, learn new skills by observing others, and develop a sense of empathyEmpathy is a fundamental skill that allows us to connect wit... More. Their activity is associated with theory of mind, that is, the ability to attribute mental states to other individuals, such as beliefs, desires, and intentions.What Happens If They Don’t Work
Dysfunction of mirror neurons has been associated with several neuropsychiatric conditions and disorders. For example, their alteration has been observed in patients with autism, autism spectrum disorder, and schizophrenia. A lack of proper mirror neuron functioning can affect the ability to imitate, understand others’ actions, and apply theory of mind. These dysfunctions can contribute to difficulties in social communication and interaction with others.Mirror Neurons and Educational Processes
The existence of mirror neurons has important implications for educational processes. Studies have shown that observing a teacher performing certain actions can facilitate student learningIl termine apprendimento - con i sinonimi imparare, assimila... More, as the observer’s mirror neurons activate similarly to those of the teacher. This mechanism allows for a greater understanding of the actions to be imitated and a better acquisition of skills.In the Pedagogy for the Third Millennium, great emphasis is placed on this revolutionary discovery: “(The discovery of mirror neurons) simply and clearly shows that the brain is directly connected to others and understands their actions based on its own motor competencies. (…) Using a phrase dear to the great mystic Raimondo Lullo, we can affirm, in light of the latest research cited, that the lover, through love, gradually transforms into the beloved. This process, at the center of our pedagogical proposal, is the only one capable of rescuing humans from the quicksands of cynicism, retraining them to properly think about their relationship with excellence: if our model could, so can we.” (P. Paoletti, *Crescere nell’eccellenza*, pp. 77-78).
