Which part of the brain is most likely affected in receptive language disorders?

Wernicke's area is the region of the brain predominantly associated with the comprehension of language. It is located in the left temporal lobe for most right-handed individuals and a significant portion of left-handed individuals as well. When this area is damaged, typically due to conditions such as a stroke, individuals may experience difficulties in understanding spoken and written language, which is characteristic of receptive language disorders.

This area processes the semantic aspects of language, allowing individuals to decode meaning from words and sentences. In contrast, Broca’s area, located in the frontal lobe, is primarily involved in language production and the formation of speech. Damage to Broca’s area can lead to expressive language disorders, where the ability to speak or form sentences is impaired, but comprehension typically remains relatively intact.

The motor cortex is responsible for planning and executing voluntary movements, including speech, but does not directly govern language comprehension. Additionally, the cerebellum has a role in coordination and motor control rather than language processing. Therefore, Wernicke's area's association with understanding language makes it the most likely region affected in receptive language disorders.