Navel

The navel, or umbilicus, is the scar on the abdomen that marks the former attachment site of the umbilical cord. During fetal development, the cord connected the fetus to the placenta, supplying nutrients and oxygen. After birth the cord is clamped and cut; the remaining stump dries and falls away, leaving a scar that becomes the navel.

Location and appearance: It lies along the midline of the abdomen, roughly at the level of the third to fourth lumbar vertebrae. The shape varies among individuals, typically appearing as an inward dent (innie) or a small protrusion (outie). Size and depth depend on body habitus and how the surrounding tissues heal after birth.

Variations and development: The navel is a scar rather than a functional structure. It has no internal anatomy of its own. In infants, the cord stump usually falls off within 1-2 weeks. Adults may have deeper or shallower navels based on fat distribution and abdominal wall anatomy.

Medical considerations: Infections or irritation can occur if the area is not kept clean, particularly in newborns. Rare conditions around the navel include umbilical hernia, where abdominal contents protrude through the abdominal wall near the navel, and congenital anomalies such as omphalocele or gastroschisis, which involve broader abdominal defects.

Cultural and linguistic notes: The term navel is common in everyday language; the technical term umbilicus is used in anatomy. The navel serves as a landmark on the abdomen and reflects a remnant of fetal development.