Final answer:
Wernicke's area in the left hemisphere of the brain is responsible for the comprehension of speech. It differs from Broca's area, which is associated with speech production. Damage to Wernicke's can cause receptive aphasia, a disorder affecting language comprehension.
Step-by-step explanation:
The area of the brain with a critical role in the comprehension of speech, particularly located in the left hemisphere, is Wernicke's area. This area is paramount for understanding language and is located beside the primary auditory area, where sounds are processed. While Broca's area is involved in the production of speech, Wernicke's area is essential for language comprehension. Damage to Wernicke's area can result in receptive aphasia, which affects the ability to grasp the content of spoken language.
In contrast, damage to Broca's area leads to expressive aphasia, characterized by non-fluent speech and compromised grammar. Both areas are connected by white matter pathways, allowing for smooth coordination of language processing. Aphasia refers to the loss of speech and language functions due to damage in these specific areas.