Neuroanatomy, Wernicke Area

Wernicke area was first discovered in 1874 by a German neurologist, Carl Wernicke. It has been identified as 1 of 2 areas found in the cerebral cortex that manages speech. Wernicke area is located in Brodmann area 22, the posterior segment of the superior temporal gyrus in the dominant hemisphere. 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. Contrast this with Broca's area which is found in the inferior frontal gyrus right above the Sylvian fissure. Because the Wernicke area is responsible for the comprehension of written and spoken language, damage to this area results in a fluent but receptive aphasia. Receptive aphasia may be best described as one who is unable to comprehend/express written or spoken language. The patient will most commonly have fluent speech, but their words will lack meaning. The other aspect of Wernicke aphasia is that the patient has auditory incomprehension. This means an individual is unable to understand what is being spoken to them. Lastly, patients with Wernicke aphasia are unaware of their lack of comprehension. Due to the prominent involvement of the Wernicke area in basal life, various disease etiologies may result in damage to this area. 
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