A simple model of cortical activations during both observation and execution of reach-to-grasp movements

Abstract

We discuss evidence for the existence of mirror systems in the brain, including recent experimental results that demonstrate the use of shared pathways for the observation and execution of reaching and grasping actions. We then describe a brain based model of observational learning that explains the similarities and differences in levels of activation of brain regions during observation and execution of actions. We simulate a very simple paradigm whereby an actor performs an action which is observed and then repeated by the simulated animal. We discuss the implications and possible extensions of our model. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.