fusiform face area
The fusiform face area (FFA) is a region in the brain located in the fusiform gyrus, primarily in the right hemisphere. It is specialized for facial recognition, helping individuals identify and differentiate between faces. This area becomes particularly active when people view faces compared to other objects.
Research has shown that the FFA plays a crucial role in social interactions, as recognizing faces is essential for communication and relationships. Damage to this area can lead to prosopagnosia, a condition where individuals struggle to recognize familiar faces, even those of close friends and family.