The human brain's cortex is folded in a manner which gives the brain the appearance of a cauliflower. This cortex, if it was unfolded, would be about 30 inches square and have 10 billion neurons encased in its six layers of wrinkled tissue.

These neurons, the key building blocks of the brain, are organized into collections called "neuronal groups" as the result of a random and highly variable process. There is no master program of instructions (as there is in a computer), it just happens.

Some of the components of the brain are:
* the corpus callosum - the bridge between the right and left hemispheres of the brain. This tissue, filled with nerves, is constantly sending information back and forth.
* the cerebellum (little brain) was once the main brain of our ancient ancestors.

Each hemisphere is split into four lobes:
* the occipital lobe manages visual processes;
* the temporal lobe deals with sound, speech comprehension, and some aspects of memory;
* the parietal lobe deals with movement, orientation, calculations and some forms of recognition;
* the frontal lobe integrates thinking, conceptualizing and planning -- and the conscious appreciation of emotions.

-- from John Eberhard’s website: architecture-mind