UCLA Brain Mapping Center

Publications

Mirror neuron system: basic findings and clinical applications.

Iacoboni M; Mazziotta JC;
Annals of neurology. 2007-Sep; 62(213-8):3
 
In primates, ventral premotor and rostral inferior parietal neurons fire during the execution of hand and mouth actions. Some cells (called mirror neurons) also fire when hand and mouth actions are just observed. Mirror neurons provide a simple neural mechanism for understanding the actions of others. In humans, posterior inferior frontal and rostral inferior parietal areas have mirror properties. These human areas are relevant to imitative learning and social behavior. Indeed, the socially isolating condition of autism is associated with a deficit in mirror neuron areas. Strategies inspired by mirror neuron research recently have been used in the treatment of autism and in motor rehabilitation after stroke.
 
PMID: 17721988    doi: 10.1002/ana.21198
 

BMAP Authors