Question

Identify the function of Broca's area from the following options:

• A. Understanding language
• B. Speech production
• C. Motor control
• D. Somatosensory control

Hint:

A helpful mnemonic is: {B}roca's area helps you {b}roduce speech ({b}roken speech if damaged), while {W}ernicke's area deals with {w}ord comprehension ({w}acky, meaningless sentences if damaged).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the primary function of a specific region in the brain's frontal lobe known as Broca's area.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
(A) Understanding language: Language comprehension is primarily associated with Wernicke's area, which is located in the temporal lobe.
(B) Speech production: Broca's area, located in the frontal lobe of the dominant hemisphere (usually the left), plays a vital role in the generation of articulate speech. It is responsible for coordinating the complex muscle movements of the mouth, tongue, and larynx necessary for speaking. Damage to this area results in Broca's aphasia, where a person can understand language but has difficulty producing fluent speech.
(C) Motor control: While speech is a motor activity, "motor control" as a general term is primarily governed by the motor cortex. Broca's area is specifically for the motor planning of speech.
(D) Somatosensory control: This function, which involves processing sensations like touch, temperature, and pain, is managed by the somatosensory cortex in the parietal lobe.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The primary function of Broca's area is speech production.