Glossary
Broca's Area
What is Broca's Area?
Broca's area is a region in the frontal lobe, specifically the posterior part of the left inferior frontal gyrus, named after the French physician Pierre Paul Broca. It contributes to speech production and aspects of grammar and syntax as part of a wider language network.
Broca's Area Function
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Speech Production
Broca's area contributes to speech and language production alongside other cortical and subcortical regions. Language impairment and disorders of speech-motor control can co-occur but are distinct. -
Language Comprehension
Although Broca's area is primarily associated with speech production, it is also involved in certain aspects of language comprehension, such as processing syntax and understanding grammatical structures. Broca's area works in conjunction with other language-related brain regions, such as Wernicke's area, to facilitate the comprehension of spoken and written language. -
Broca's Aphasia
Damage to the language network, including the region around Broca's area, can produce Broca's aphasia. Stroke and traumatic brain injury are possible causes. Speech is typically slow and effortful, with difficulty finding words and forming fluent sentences. Comprehension can be less affected than expression in Broca's aphasia, but difficulty understanding spoken, written or signed language is also common.