Paul Broca, (born June 28, 1824, died July 9, 1880, Paris), surgeon who was closely associated with the development of modern physical anthropology in France and whose study of brain lesions contributed significantly to understanding the origins of aphasia, the loss or impairment of the ability to form or articulate words. Much of Broca’s research concerned the comparative study of the craniums of the so-called races of mankind.
The Broca area lies specifically in the third frontal convolution, just anterior to the face area of the motor cortex and just above the Sylvian fissure. It is made up of two areas: the pars triangularis (Brodmann area 45) and the pars opercularis (Brodmann area 44). The Broca area is connected to other regions of the brain, including the Wernicke area, by a neuronal tract known as the arcuate fasciculus. 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.
Damage to the frontal lobe can result in a speech disorder known as Broca aphasia, which is characterized by deliberate, telegraphic speech with very simple grammatical structure, though the speaker may be quite clear as to what he or she wishes to say and may communicate successfully.
Wernicke's Area -
Wernicke's area is the region of the brain that is important for language development. It is located in the temporal lobe on the left side of the brain and is responsible for the comprehension of speech, while Broca's area is related to the production of speech. Language development or usage can be seriously impaired by damage to Wernicke's area of the brain.
When this area of the brain is damaged, a disorder known as Wernicke's aphasia can result, with the person being able to speak in phrases that sound fluent yet lack meaning.
Wernicke's area is usually located in the back part of the temporal lobe, although the exact location can vary. It is most frequently found in the left hemisphere of the brain, but not always.