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- Glossary
Mirror neurons
Nerve cells in the brains of primates that fire just as strongly when their owners observe an action as when they perform it themselves. Italian researchers discovered these special neurons in the early 1990s while experimenting with macaques. Mirror neurons were later also detected in the human brain. Among other places, they occur in Broca's area, which is responsible for language processing. Mirror neurons could provide an explanation for why we are able to understand the feelings and intentions of others. The discussion on this topic is still ongoing.
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Glossar
15.03.2017
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- Acting
- Motor Skills
Man on the Move
Even simple movements require complex interaction between the brain, spinal cord, and muscles.
01.12.2025
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- Glossary
Area F5
A part of the ventral premotor cortex located in the frontal lobe of the mammalian brain. The nerve cells in this region of the brain are involved in planning and organizing purposeful movements, especially of the mouth and hand/grasping movements. Area F5 also has historical significance: it was here that researchers first discovered mirror neurons in macaques – the nerve cells in the brains of primates that fire just as strongly when their owners observe an action as when they perform it themselves.
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- Glossary
empathy
The term "empathy" comes from the ancient Greek word for "passion." Today, empathy is understood as the ability to put oneself in another person's shoes and understand their feelings, thoughts, and actions. In neuroscience, empathy is supported by mirror neurons, among other things: nerve cells that show similar activity when observing an action as when performing it.
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- Thinking
- Emotions
Signals from Within
Emotions shape our lives. That's why we're so good at recognizing and empathizing with them.
18.12.2025
