Wernicke’s area is a structure of brain that is believed to be involved in language comprehension. In the majority of people, Wernicke’s area is located within the left cerebral hemisphere, specifically near the back of the temporal lobe.
The exact location of Wernicke’s area is still debated, although it is typically displayed as being near a large groove known as the lateral sulcus, near the junction between the parietal and the temporal lobes.
This area is believed to be unique to the function of language comprehension, specifically the comprehension of speech sounds, and is also considered to be the receptive language centre of the brain.
Individuals who have damage to Wernicke’s area are believed to have a condition known as Wernicke’s aphasia. Those with this type of aphasia generally have difficulties comprehending speech.
This is not to be confused with Broca’s aphasia, which is associated with individuals having difficulty producing the sounds necessary for speech. Broca’s area is also located within the left hemisphere for most people and is another major language centre.
In contrast to Wernicke’s area, which is involved in the comprehension of speech, Broca’s area is associated with the production of speech.
Table of Contents
History of Wernicke’s Area
Wernicke’s area was discovered in 1976 by German neurologist Carl Wernicke. A few years prior to this, Paul Broca had discovered what would be known as Broca’s area, another language centre in the brain.
At the time, there was a lot of speculation as to whether there were specific areas of the brain specialized for particular functions, or if the brain as a whole was utilised for every single function, known as a holistic viewpoint.
There was some evidence emerging which implied that speech may have been localised to the frontal lobes for instance.
During this period, neuroscientists were trying to understand a new perspective of the brain which suggested that the cerebral hemispheres of the brain were not equal in terms of function, that the left hemisphere performed different roles to the right hemisphere and vice versa.
Paul Broca was one of the first people to support this new perspective. In 1861, He had identified a number of individuals who had difficulties in producing language.
Through post-mortem examinations, Broca discovered that there was damage to an area in the left hemisphere in these individuals, which is named Broca’s area.
People with damage to this area are considered to have Broca’s aphasia, whereby they have difficulties producing speech.
A few years after Broca, Carl Wernicke, who was said to be heavily inspired by Broca, found a similar problem with speech in some of his patients.
However, the issues with these patients differed from Broca’s patients as they were able to produce speech but were unable to comprehend language. These individuals would speak fluently, but with disordered speech, impaired understanding of speech, and impaired silent reading.
When examining the brains of these patients, it was discovered that there was a lesion at the junction of the parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes in the left cerebral hemisphere.
This region of the brain has been coined as Wernicke’s area and is understood to be an area where heard and seen words are comprehended, as well as functioning to select words for articulation.
The individuals who had damage to Wernicke’s area were said to have a type of aphasia, called Wernicke’s aphasia. This damage is believed to be as a result of head trauma or disease.
Individuals who have Wernicke’s aphasia may experience symptoms such as the inability to understand spoken language, using inappropriate words, their sentences may not make sense, they may make up meaningless words, repeat words, or their sentences may lack any meaning.
People with this aphasia will often speak fluently and some patients may not even be aware that there is an issue with their speech, believing that they are speaking normally.
Function
Since Wernicke’s area appears to play a role in language comprehension as well as the production of language, Wernicke proposed a model for language which involves both Wernicke’s area and Broca’s area.
According to this proposition, Wernicke’s area chooses which words are needed for speech, whereas Broca’s area is responsible for taking these words and generating the movements needed to vocalise them.
Broca’s area would send the information about the speech to the motor cortex, which then sends messages to the muscles (e.g. of the tongue and mouth) to vocalise this speech.
Essentially, Wernicke’s area works to make sure the language makes sense, whilst Broca’s area helps to ensure the language is produced in a fluent way.
This understanding of language was later expanded upon by neurologist Norman Geschwind, who proposed what would be known as the Wernicke-Geschwind model.
This model is concerned with the connections between specific brain areas, asserting that these areas communicate with others to gather information about the meanings of words, before being passed to the speech production and motor areas of the brain.
According to this model, written word information first arrives from the eyes to the occipital lobe within the primary visual cortex. Then, this information is passed to the angular gyrus before reaching Wernicke’s area. Information is then sent from this area to Broca’s area via the arcuate fasciculus.
This is a neuronal tract made up of white matter bundles, which is used to connect the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes. The arcuate fasciculus therefore acts as a pathway between the two main language areas of the brain. Finally, information from Broca’s area is then passed to the motor cortex, which send signals to the muscles to complete motor movements for speech.
The Wernicke-Geschwind model is now largely obsolete due to inconsistencies in neuroimaging studies. However, this model has been useful in directing research and providing understanding that there are multiple brain regions involved in language, rather than one specific region completing all language functions.
Wernicke, as well as Broca were one of the earlier advocators for the idea of lateralization of brain functions. This is the perspective that functions of the brain are performed by specific areas, rather than the holistic view that all brain functions are completed by the brain as a whole.
This holistic view was more widely accepted at the time, until researchers like Wernicke and Broca provided strong evidence against this. Specifically, these researchers offered insight into how the left and right cerebral hemispheres are not so similar to each other.
They provided support for the idea that language functions are typically more localized to the left cerebral hemisphere in the majority of individuals.
Modern Perspectives
The discovery of Wernicke’s area has been influential to researchers’ understanding of language. However, the original idea that this area is responsible for making meaningful speech whilst Broca’s area was believed to be responsible for turning this speech into comprehensible vocalisations is now believed to be a too simplistic view of language.
Now, researchers understand that language comprehension and production are a more complicated process, involving a range of different brain networks. For instance, there are some neuroimaging studies which imply that Wernicke’s area also plays a role in the production of speech as well as the comprehension of speech.
Before information about language is sent, the individual must activate prior knowledge regarding the sequences of speech sounds (phonemes) that form the words that need to be spoken.
This mental stage before articulation is known as phonological retrieval. An example of phonological retrieval’s existence can be demonstrated by the fact that we understand that the words ‘hear’ and ‘dear’ rhyme with each other, but not with ‘bear’ without needing to say these words aloud.
There are studies which have used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans, finding significant evidence that Wernicke’s area is involved in phonologic retrieval.
As well as this, research has suggested that damage to Wernicke’s area does not always result in problems with language comprehension. This implies that Wernicke’s area is just one component of a larger network involved in understanding language.
Studies have found that patients who have lesions in what is known as Wernicke’s area have relatively intact word comprehension, suggesting that there may be other regions of the brain that are also responsible for word comprehension.
Overall, language is a very complex behavior which is made possible by a range of functions such as comprehension, retrieval of phonemes, and articulation. Each of these functions likely involve a variety of networks throughout the brain and cannot be reduced to a connection between two brain regions (Wernicke’s and Broca’s areas).
Thus, Wernicke’s area is not as well-defined in anatomical nor functional terms, although believed to still be important to language. Researchers are still attempting to understand this brain area more to work out precisely what its role is.
References
Buchsbaum, B. R., Baldo, J., Okada, K., Berman, K. F., Dronkers, N., D’Esposito, M., & Hickok, G. (2011). Conduction aphasia, sensory-motor integration, and phonological short-term memory–an aggregate analysis of lesion and fMRI data. Brain and language, 119(3), 119-128.
Binder, J. R. (2015). The Wernicke area: Modern evidence and a reinterpretation. Neurology, 85(24), 2170-2175.
Neuroscientifically Challenged (2017, September 19). Known Your Brain: Wernicke’s Area. https://www.neuroscientificallychallenged.com/blog/know-your-brain-wernickes-area.
Brain Stuff. (2018, June 11). What is the Wernicke-Geschwind model? https://brainstuff.org/blog/what-is-the-wernicke-geschwind-model
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2020, March 10). Wernicke area. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/Wernicke-area
Cherry, K. (2021, April 7). Wernicke’s Area Location and Function. Very Well Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/wernickes-area-2796017
Guy-Evans, O. (2021, May 18). Lateralization of brain function. Simply Psychology. www.www.www.www.www.www.simplypsychology.org/brain-lateralization.html
FAQs
What is the location and function of the Wernicke's area? ›
Wernicke's area is located in the upper posterior portion of the left temporal lobe. It is responsible for the ability to comprehend spoken language. Wernicke's area was discovered by a German neurologist named Carl Wernicke.
What is the function of Wernicke's area quizlet? ›The Wernicke's Area is the region of the brain crucial to language development. It is located in the temporal love on the left hemisphere. Its functions include language comprehension, semantic/grammar processing, language recognition, and language interpretation.
What is Wernicke's area in the brain group of answer choices? ›Wernicke's area is a critical language area in the posterior superior temporal lobe connects to Broca's area via a neural pathway. Wernicke's area is primarily involved in the comprehension. Historically, this area has been associated with language processing, whether it is written or spoken.
Where is the Wernicke's area located in the brain quizlet? ›Wernicke's area is the region of the brain where spoken language is understood. Neurologist Carl Wernicke is credited with discovering the function of this brain region. Location: Wernicke's area is located in the left temporal lobe, posterior to the primary auditory complex.
What is the location of Wernicke's area? ›Wernicke area is located in Brodmann area 22, the posterior segment of the superior temporal gyrus in the dominant hemisphere. [1] Since 95% of people have a left dominant hemisphere, the Wernicke area is usually found on the left side. This area encompasses the auditory cortex on the lateral sulcus.
Where are the Broca's and Wernicke's areas in the brain functional? ›Broca's and Wernicke's areas are cortical areas specialized for production and comprehension, respectively, of human language.
What is the location and function of the Broca's area? ›New research shows that Broca's area, located in the frontal cortex and shown here in color, plans the process of speech by interacting with the temporal cortex, where sensory information is processed, and the motor cortex, which controls movements of the mouth.
What is the function of Wernicke's area in the brain multiple choice question? ›Wernicke's area is concerned, in part, with processing the auditory information and is important in the comprehension of language. The inferior part of the temporal lobe (i.e., the occipitotemporal gyri) is involved in visual and cognitive processing.
What is the function of the Broca's area? ›In addition to serving a role in speech production, the Broca area also is involved in language comprehension, in motor-related activities associated with hand movements, and in sensorimotor learning and integration.
What happens when the Wernicke's area is damaged? ›Wernicke's aphasia is a language disorder that makes it hard for you to understand words and communicate. This disorder is caused by damage to the part of your brain that controls language. It leads to a loss of language ability and can be very frustrating.
What does Wernicke's area do in regards to memory? ›
This area was named the Wernicke's area or region. We can say that Wernicke's area processes the meanings of sounds (1). This zone adds meaning and understanding of the words that we hear. In this article, we will talk about its anatomical position, relation to other areas, its structure, and its function.
What is the meaning of Wernicke's? ›noun. : an area of the brain that is located in the posterior left temporal lobe and is associated with comprehension of language.
Where does Wernicke's area receive input from? ›Wernicke's area receives information from the auditory cortex, and functions to assign word meanings.
What is the difference in function between Broca's area and Wernicke's area quizlet? ›Studies have identified Broca's area and Wernicke's area as responsible for language. Broca's area enables speech to be fluent whereas Wernicke's area enables speech to be meaningful.
Which parts of the brain play an important role in speech function? ›The frontal lobe contains Broca's area, which is associated with speech ability.
What lobe is the Broca's and Wernicke's areas located in group of answer choices? ›1. The portion of the brain known as Broca's is located in the frontal lobe, and it is the part of the brain that is in charge of the muscular regulation of speech. 2. The part of the brain responsible for language understanding is called Wernicke's region, and it is located in the temporal lobe of the brain.
Where is the Broca area of the brain? ›Broca's area, or the Broca area (/ˈbroʊkə/, also UK: /ˈbrɒkə/, US: /ˈbroʊkɑː/), is a region in the frontal lobe of the dominant hemisphere, usually the left, of the brain with functions linked to speech production.
Where is Wernicke's aphasia located? ›Wernicke aphasia usually involves the posterior one third of the superior temporal gyrus. If there is involvement of the middle/inferior temporal gyri or the inferior parietal lobule, recovery is unlikely. Recovery also depends on area and size of damage, patient age and status of the contralateral cortex.
What is the connection between Broca's and Wernicke's area? ›Broca's area and Wernicke's area are connected by a bundle of nerve fibers called the arcuate fasciculus. Damage to the arcuate fasciculus causes a disorder called conduction aphasia. People with conduction aphasia can understand language, but their speech does not make sense and they cannot repeat words.
How do the functions of Broca's area and Wernicke's area each relate to the activity of the surrounding cortex? ›How do the functions of Broca's area and Wernicke's area each relate to the activity of the surrounding cortex? Broca's area and Wernicke's area are the areas of the brain that perform different functions. Broca's area controls skeletal muscles, and Wernicke's area is involved in hearing.
How did Broca and Wernicke determine the location of key language areas in the brain? ›
How did Broca and Wernicke determine the location of key language areas in the brain? They determined the location of key language areas on the brain by looking at certain lesions on the brain and how it affected the way of communicating.
What does Wernicke's affect? ›Symptoms of Wernicke's disease include: Confusion. Lack of energy, hypothermia, low blood pressure, or coma. Lack of muscle coordination that can affect posture and balance and can lead to tremors (i.e., involuntary movements in one or more parts of the body)
What is Wernicke's brain damage? ›The disorder's main features are problems in acquiring new information or establishing new memories, and in retrieving previous memories. Wernicke's encephalopathy is a degenerative brain disorder caused by the lack of vitamin B1. It may result from: Alcohol abuse.
What is an example of Wernicke's aphasia? ›People with Wernicke's aphasia may speak in long, complete sentences that have no meaning, adding unnecessary words and even creating made-up words. For example, someone with Wernicke's aphasia may say, "You know that smoodle pinkered and that I want to get him round and take care of him like you want before."
What is Wernicke known for? ›Carl Wernicke, (born May 15, 1848, Tarnowitz, Pol., Prussia—died June 15, 1905, Thüringer Wald, Ger.), German neurologist who related nerve diseases to specific areas of the brain. He is best known for his descriptions of the aphasias, disorders interfering with the ability to communicate in speech or writing.
Is Wernicke's area for understanding? ›This region of the brain is now known as Wernicke's area and is associated with the understanding of spoken and written language.
What part of the brain is affected in Wernicke's encephalopathy? ›Wernicke encephalopathy causes brain damage in lower parts of the brain called the thalamus and hypothalamus. Korsakoff psychosis results from permanent damage to areas of the brain involved with memory.
What happens if Broca's area is damaged? ›As a result of a lesion in Broca area, there is a breakdown between one's thoughts and one's language abilities. Thus, patients often feel that they know what they wish to say but are unable to produce the words. That is, they are unable to translate their mental images and representations to words.
What are the 3 major parts of the brain and their functions? ›- The cerebrum fills up most of your skull. It is involved in remembering, problem solving, thinking, and feeling. ...
- The cerebellum sits at the back of your head, under the cerebrum. It controls coordination and balance.
- The brain stem sits beneath your cerebrum in front of your cerebellum.
The cerebrum controls: initiation of movement, coordination of movement, temperature, touch, vision, hearing, judgment, reasoning, problem solving, emotions, and learning. The cerebrum is responsible for communication (speaking and writing), memory, abstract thought, and appreciation for music and art. Brainstem.
Where is the Broca area located? ›
This new insight about Broca's area, which is located in the frontal cortex above and behind the left eye, could ultimately benefit the treatment of language impairments due to stroke, epilepsy and brain injuries, says Nathan E.
What lobe is Broca's area located? ›The location and limits of Broca's area in the frontal lobe are well defined by research from several sources, and there is considerable documentation that the area functions primarily as a center for the motor programming of speech articulation movements.
What is the function of Broca's area? ›In addition to serving a role in speech production, the Broca area also is involved in language comprehension, in motor-related activities associated with hand movements, and in sensorimotor learning and integration.
Where is Broca's area quizlet? ›(A) The Broca's area is located in the left frontal lobe. It is necessary for combining sounds into words and arranging words into meaningful sentences.
What is the Broca's area quizlet? ›Broca's area. Controls language expression - an area of the frontal lobe, usually in the left hemisphere, that directs the muscle movements involved in speech.
Which part of brain is responsible for speech? ›The frontal lobe contains Broca's area, which is associated with speech ability.
What causes Wernicke's damage? ›Wernicke's encephalopathy is a degenerative brain disorder caused by the lack of vitamin B1. It may result from: Alcohol abuse. Dietary deficiencies.
What happens when Broca's area is damaged? ›As a result of a lesion in Broca area, there is a breakdown between one's thoughts and one's language abilities. Thus, patients often feel that they know what they wish to say but are unable to produce the words. That is, they are unable to translate their mental images and representations to words.
How does Broca's area affect speech? ›Damage to the Broca area can also lead to transient mutism, suggesting it may not be entirely dedicated to processing but also phonation/vocalization.
What is an example of the Broca's area? ›Remembering earlier movement is also part of Broca's area functions. An example could be retracing your steps (in your mind) to find your keys. Understanding that motor-memory function is also, in some way, regulated by Broca's area has encouraged further studies.