The term "northbridge" refers to a type of chip on a computer's motherboard that connects the central processing unit (CPU) to high-speed components like the RAM and graphics card. It plays a crucial role in managing data flow between these components, ensuring efficient communication and performance. In modern computer architecture, the northbridge is often integrated into the CPU itself, especially in systems using Intel or AMD processors. This integration helps reduce latency and improve overall system speed, as it minimizes the distance data must travel between the CPU and other critical components.