What type of neurons are activated when observing another individual perform an action?

Mirror neurons are a specific type of neuron that are activated when an individual observes another person performing an action, as well as when they perform the same action themselves. These neurons play a crucial role in understanding others' actions and intentions, contributing to processes such as imitation, empathy, and social learning. The concept of mirror neurons is significant in the fields of neuroscience and psychology, particularly for explaining the mechanisms behind observational learning and the ability to relate to others.

Motor neurons, while involved in sending signals to muscles to facilitate movement, do not play a role in the observation of actions. Interneurons primarily function to connect other neurons within the brain or spinal cord and are not specifically tied to observational learning. Sensory neurons are responsible for conveying sensory information from the body to the brain but do not specifically relate to the observation of actions in a social context. Thus, only mirror neurons directly relate to the phenomenon of interpreting and mirroring observed actions.