Why Are So Many Network Connections Too Different IP Addresses Needed To Download A Sites Home Page?

[Jason]

If I use my Kaspersky Network Monitor, Network Activity tab it lists up to 16 IE TCP network connections at the same time, many to different IP addresses, just to down load the Google home page, for example.

All sites appear to do this.

A web Flash based game also used many connections and different IPs at the same time. Would they all be to the same server?

How do these multiple connections work - can too many cause lag?

Tried using Google but became confused, so would prefer home grown answers rather than links.

Appreciate all answers - thx