What are mirror neurons associated with?

Mirror neurons are a specific type of brain cell that respond both when an individual performs an action and when they observe someone else performing that same action. This dual response is crucial for various social and learning processes. When mirror neurons fire in response to observing an action, they help the observer understand and relate to that action, which is instrumental for learning through imitation. This capability is closely linked to empathy, as it allows individuals to resonate with the experiences of others, facilitating social interactions and emotional connections. These neurons play a significant role in how we learn behaviors by observing others, making them vital for social cognition, learning, and emotional understanding.