Introduction
Language expression and reception are executed by specialized parts of the brain that include Wernicke’s area, Broca’s area, and certain regions of the cerebral cortex (Egolf, 2012, p.36). The parietal lobes and the temporal lobes are the two parts of the cerebral cortex involved in language expression (Friston et al, 2004, p.42). The cerebral cortex consists of the right hemisphere and the left hemisphere. It covers the largest portion of the brain. It is the most developed part because it is responsible for numerous brain functions such as perception, production, and comprehension of language.
Discussion
Broca’s area is a part of the brain that is responsible for language production. It controls language expression by regulating all motor functions involved in the process of speech production (Glees, 2005, p.34). Individuals whose Broca’s area gets damaged encounter difficulties in producing speech and forming words even though they may comprehend language. Other functions of Broca’s area include speech production, language processing, and facial neuron control (Glees, 2005, p.35). Broca’s area is situated on the frontal lobe and it is connected to the Wernicke’s area by a mass of neurons. It has the ability to control all muscle movements that direct speech production. It is made up of two parts that enable it to express language, the Pars opercularis and the Par triangularis. The Pars triangularis is responsible for encoding sensory information that is related to language whereas the Pars opercularis is responsible for language production (Friston et al, 2004, p.45).
Wernicke’s area is primarily involved in language development and controls language reception. It is located on the left side of the brain. Its main function is to aid in comprehension and expression of speech (Peng, 2005, p.74). Any damage to this part of the brain results in severe impairment of language usage and development. Carl Wernicke discovered this area after he realized that another part of the brain was involved in language reception and expression in addition to the Broca’s area. The Broca’s area is connected to the Wernicke’s area by a mass of neurons referred to as the arcuate fasciculus (Peng, 2005, p.76).
The temporal lobes are important parts of the cerebral cortex that are involved in language reception and expression. They are among four groups of lobes that comprise major parts of the cerebral cortex. Their functions include organization of sensory information, production of language and speech, and perception of sound impulses (Egolf, 2012, p.38). The parietal lobes also aid in reception and expression of language. They receive and process sensory information from other parts of the body. Other functions of parietal lobes include speech production, visual perception, and cognition (Egolf, 2012, p.39). However, only certain parts of the parietal lobes take part in language expression. These parts possess structures that enable them to express language. The other parts serve for the purposes that are not related to language perception and expression.
Conclusion
Language reception and expression are executed by parts of the brain that include the Broca’s area and the Wernicke’s area. In addition, certain parts of the cerebral cortex that include parietal lobes and temporal lobes are also involved. To facilitate language reception and expression, the Broca’s area and the Wernicke’s area are connected by neurons. It contains a mass of interconnected neurons. Damage to these parts causes severe language complications that include slurred speech and poor comprehension of language.
References
Egolf, D. (2012). Human Communication and the Brain. New York: Lexington Books.
Friston, K., Frith, C., Dolan, C., and Penny, W. (2004). Human Brain Function. New York: Academic Press.
Glees, P. (2005). The Human Brain. New York: Cambridge University Press.
Peng, F. (2005). Language in the Brain: Critical Assessments. New York: Continuum International Publishing Group.