What is the primary function of Wernicke's area?

Wernicke's area is primarily responsible for understanding speech. It is located in the posterior part of the left hemisphere of the brain, typically in the superior temporal gyrus. This area plays a crucial role in language comprehension, allowing individuals to process and derive meaning from spoken and written language.

Individuals with damage to Wernicke's area may experience Wernicke's aphasia, which is characterized by fluent but nonsensical speech and significant difficulty comprehending language. This condition highlights the importance of Wernicke's area in ensuring effective communication and understanding of language. Its function is essential for both interpreting what others say and making sense of one’s own speech.