ombelico

The ombelico, or navel, is the scar on the abdomen marking the site where the umbilical cord attached the fetus to the placenta before birth. It is located along the body’s midline, typically near the center of the abdomen, and in adults it sits around the level of the lower belly button. Its appearance varies widely, commonly described as innie or outie.

In anatomy, the umbilicus is a nonfunctional remnant in the adult. During development, the umbilical cord contains vessels and a channel that connect the fetus to the placenta. After birth, these vessels and the urachus close and become fibrous ligaments: the ligamentum teres hepatis (obliterated umbilical vein), and the medial and lateral umbilical ligaments (obliterated umbilical arteries). The resulting scar remains on the abdominal wall as the ombelico.

Variations and clinical considerations include differences in shape and depth, with some people naturally having an innie and others an outie. Umbilical hernias, particularly common in infants, occur when abdominal contents protrude through the umbilical opening. In adults, weakness in the surrounding tissue can lead to hernias as well. Other conditions involve the umbilical region, such as umbilical granulomas or infections, which may require medical attention.

Culturally and medically, the ombelico serves as a focal point in aesthetics, body art, and fashion, with belly button piercings widely practiced in many cultures. In clinical practice, the umbilical region is examined for signs of disease, surgical reference, and, in minimally invasive procedures, the navel can serve as an access point for laparoscopy.