Neurologist Carl Wernicke is credited with discovering the area of the brain that is responsible for understanding language. This area is called Wernicke's Area.

Wernicke's Area is located in the temporal lobe of the brain.

Damage to this area of the brain impacts a person's ability to understand language. The person is able to form words clearly, but the words are mixed up and have no clear meaning.

Learn more about the brain:

• Anatomy of the Brain
  
• Human Brain Quiz