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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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- Grundlagen
- Anatomy
The Insular Lobe
Deeply hidden in the temporal lobe lies the insular cortex: ancient, versatile, and full of surprises.
08.07.2025
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Glossar
15.03.2017
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- Glossary
Anterior cingulate cortex
The anterior cingulate cortex (cingulate gyrus) plays a role not only in autonomic functions such as blood pressure and heart rate regulation, but also in rational processes such as decision-making. This area of the brain is also involved in emotional processes, such as impulse control. Anatomically, the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is characterized by a large number of spindle neurons (Von Economo neurons). These special nerve cells have a long, spindle-shaped structure and have so far only been found in mammals such as primates, elephants, and some whale and dolphin species. Spindle neurons contribute to higher social and emotional processes such as self-awareness, empathy, and quick emotional decisions. In pain perception, it is particularly associated with the affective component of pain – including social pain, such as that experienced through exclusion.
