Aims To stablish the relationship between mirror neurons and imitation.
Matherial and Methods Literature selection, selection of contrast, label-based review and activation likelihood estimation
Results Found differences in different areas in cortex, including frontal lobe and parietal lobe.
The superior parietal lobule, inferior parietal lobule, and the dorsal part of the premotor cortex are all commonly involved in imitation. Our results question the crucial role of the frontal mirror neuron area, the pars opercularis of the IFG, during imitation and suggest that parietal and frontal regions which extend beyond the classical mirror neuron network are crucial for imitation.
Also found one important relationship between mirror neurons and empathy because they are activated when we execute certain movement and when we watch that others does it.
The function of the mirror system is a subject of much speculation. Many researchers in cognitive neuroscience and cognitive psychology consider that this system provides the physiological mechanism for the perception action coupling These mirror neurons may be important for understanding the actions of other people, and for learning new skills by imitation. Some researchers also speculate that mirror systems may simulate observed actions, and thus contribute to theory of mind skills, while others relate mirror neurons to language abilities
These system allows put yourself in the other because feel you the actions, sensations and the emotions of others.
Discussion It has also been proposed that problems with the mirror neurons system may underlie cognitive disorders, particularly the autism. However these connection between mirror neuron dysfunction and autism is tentative and remains to be seen how mirror neurons may be related to many of the important characteristics of autism.
