Peegelnärvisüsteem

Peegelnärvisüsteem is a Finnish term that translates to "mirror neuron system" in English. This system is believed to be a network of neurons in the brain that fire both when an individual performs an action and when they observe the same action being performed by another. While the existence of a distinct, isolated "mirror neuron system" is debated within neuroscience, the concept highlights the crucial role of observational learning and empathy in human and animal behavior.

The discovery of neurons that seemed to mirror the actions of others was initially made in the premotor cortex of macaque monkeys. Researchers observed that certain neurons in this area became active not only when the monkey reached for food but also when it observed a researcher reaching for food. This led to speculation that these "mirror neurons" were fundamental to understanding the intentions and emotions of others, facilitating imitation, language acquisition, and social cognition.

However, subsequent research has indicated that the neural mechanisms underlying these observed behaviors are more complex and distributed than initially thought. Many scientists now believe that rather than a single, dedicated mirror neuron system, a broader network of brain regions, including areas in the frontal and parietal lobes, works collaboratively to process observed actions and their associated meanings. This network is thought to involve simulation, prediction, and interaction with other cognitive processes. Despite the ongoing debate about the precise nature and extent of mirror neurons, the underlying concept of neural mirroring continues to be influential in understanding social interaction and learning.