A Nobel Prize winning scientist coined the term "syncitium" to describe the close anatomical continuity between certain networks of nerve cells. Subsequently, the term “functional syncitium” was applied to collections of individual cells or other entities, in which each participant gives up some of its autonomy to work closely with others. Working together, they can achieve a unified and otherwise unattainable purpose.

Individual U. is a functional syncitium where mentors not only work one-on-one with their students, but where teams of mentors act in concert and close communication to share their skills and knowledge for the benefit of every student.

The heart is the human body’s best-known functional syncitium. It is seen here to your left, within an open chest cavity, contracting and pumping blood. While each of the heart's millions of cells has the ability to beat on its own, they beat as one, in an effective and coordinated manner, following the pace set by an acknowledged leader. As a result, the heart beats successfully more than 100,000 times a day, sending blood to nurture every cell in the body with nutrients and oxygen each time it beats.