The belly button tube is called the umbilical cord.
The umbilical cord is a vital, flexible tube that connects a developing fetus to the mother's placenta during pregnancy. Its primary function is to transport essential nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the fetus and to carry waste products away from the fetus for disposal by the mother's body.
After birth, the umbilical cord is no longer needed and is clamped and cut, leaving a small stump. This stump eventually dries up and falls off, leaving the belly button (or umbilicus) as a scar. The belly button marks the point where the umbilical cord was once attached.
Here's a simplified breakdown:
- Purpose: Provides nutrients and oxygen to the fetus.
- Function: Transports nutrients and waste.
- After birth: Cut and leaves the belly button.
