A belly button, also known as a navel, is the scar left on the abdomen after the umbilical cord is severed at birth.
The Umbilical Cord's Role
Your belly button marks the point where your umbilical cord was attached during your time in the womb. This cord, a flexible tube, served as a vital lifeline, transporting essential nutrients—vitamins and minerals—from your mother to you before birth.
Key Features of a Belly Button:
- Scar Tissue: It's essentially scar tissue resulting from the detachment of the umbilical cord.
- Umbilical Cord Remnant: The cord itself is made up of blood vessels that carried nutrients and oxygen.
- Varied Appearance: Belly buttons come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes; there's no single "normal" appearance. Some are "innies," some are "outies," and others fall somewhere in between.
Why Belly Buttons Vary
The appearance of your belly button depends on several factors including:
- Genetics: Family history influences the shape and size of your navel.
- How the Umbilical Cord Healed: The healing process after the cord falls off can slightly influence the final shape of the navel.
- Post-Birth Care: Although minor, postnatal care can play a small role.
