Which brain structure is primarily responsible for speech production?

The brain structure primarily responsible for speech production is Broca's area. This region is located in the frontal lobe of the dominant hemisphere, usually the left side for right-handed individuals, and is crucial for the production of language. Broca’s area enables the motor functions necessary for speech, facilitating the planning and execution of verbal communication. Damage to this area can result in Broca's aphasia, characterized by difficulty in forming complete sentences while often retaining the ability to understand spoken language. This highlights its central role in the actual production of speech, contrasting with other areas that may be more involved in language comprehension or other cognitive functions.