Final answer:
In construction, a brick laid horizontally with the shorter end parallel to the surface is called a header, which is used in masonry construction and the post-and-lintel system.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of construction and architecture, a brick or other masonry unit laid horizontally in a wall with the shorter end exposed or parallel to the surface is known as a header. This term reflects the orientation and placement of the brick in masonry construction. The post-and-lintel system often utilizes such units where the lintel is supported by two posts; however, in masonry walls, headers may support other elements of the wall or structure. Ashlar masonry is another construction technique where stones are precisely cut and fitted without the need for headers, as the stones themselves form the wall structure.