While Italian researchers were recording the activity of a single neuron in the motor cortex of a monkey,they noticed that this neuron responded the same way whether the monkey was actually performing the motor task or just observing a reseacher performing the task.This observation led to the discovery of
A) amygdalas.
B) effector cells.
C) mirror neurons.
D) neurilemmas.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The observation made by the Italian researchers about the activity of a single neuron in the motor cortex of a monkey that responded the same way whether the monkey was actually performing the motor task or just observing a researcher performing the task led to the discovery of mirror neurons. Mirror neurons are a type of neuron that fires when an animal performs an action and also when the animal observes the same action performed by another animal. They play an important role in social cognition, imitation, and empathy. Option A) amygdalas are small almond-shaped clusters of nuclei that are involved in processing emotions, especially fear. Option B) effector cells are cells that carry out a response to a stimulus, such as muscle cells contracting in response to nerve stimulation. Option D) neurilemmas are the outer layer of Schwann cells that form a sheath around axons in the peripheral nervous system.

While Italian Researchers Were Recording the Activity of a Single