Which neurological component is most directly associated with the capacity to experience 'feeling what another feels'?

Mirror neurons are the neurological component most directly associated with the capacity to experience 'feeling what another feels.' Mirror neurons are a type of brain cell that activate both when an individual performs an action and when they observe the same action performed by another. This 'mirroring' allows us to simulate the experience of others within our own brains, providing a neural basis for understanding and sharing their feelings. For instance, when you see someone wince in pain, your mirror neurons might activate in a similar way as if you were experiencing the pain yourself, leading to a sense of shared feeling. This automatic, unconscious imitation is crucial for affective empathy, allowing us to intuitively grasp another's emotional state.