Final answer:
The integrative centers of the brain, including Wernicke's and Broca's areas, are involved in complex cognitive functions. Wernicke's area deals with language comprehension, while Broca's area is associated with speech production. They work in concert with other regions to facilitate higher intellectual functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Integrative centers of the brain can impact higher intellectual functions including complex processes like language. Wernicke's area and Broca's area are both crucial for language functions. Wernicke's area, located adjacent to the auditory association cortex and just anterior to the visual cortex, is associated with receptive aphasia, meaning it is involved in the understanding of spoken language. Broca's area is located in the lateral aspect of the frontal lobe, and an expressive aphasia associated with it compromises speech production, leading to halting speech or a loss in the flow of words.
The roles of these areas extend beyond the processing of language. They receive information from many sensory association areas and are involved in directing motor activities, as part of a complex network of regions in the brain responsible for cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and executive functions. Therefore, integrative areas like Wernicke's and Broca's areas operate in a highly interconnected manner with other regions of the brain to support the execution of higher cognitive tasks.