A patient cannot read. Which hemisphere and area are likely affected?

• A. Left Supramarginal Gyrus
• B. Right Heschel's Gyrus
• C. Right Angular Gyrus
• D. Left Angular Gyrus

Answer: (D)

Reading relies on the language-dominant left hemisphere, and the angular gyrus in that hemisphere is key for turning visual word forms into meaningful language. Damage there disrupts this integration, producing alexia (an inability to read), often with agraphia. The left angular gyrus is the most likely site affected when a patient cannot read.

Other options don’t fit as neatly: the left supramarginal gyrus supports phonological aspects of language but is not the primary site for reading impairment; the right Heschl’s gyrus is involved in auditory processing, so damage would affect hearing rather than reading; the right angular gyrus belongs to the non-dominant hemisphere and is less tied to reading abilities in most people.