A patient is admitted to the hospital after a significant blow to the very back of their head. A preliminary examination shows their eyes are physically undamaged and are reacting normally to light. However, the patient has great difficulty recognizing familiar objects and faces, reporting that they can 'see' but cannot understand or interpret what they are looking at. Based on the location of the injury and the specific symptoms, which major brain area is most likely affected? Justify your answer by explaining the connection between this area's primary function and the patient's visual difficulties.