A human belly button, medically known as the navel or umbilicus, is a universal feature. It is a common point of curiosity, often sparking questions about its purpose. This small indentation or protrusion on the abdomen marks a significant connection that existed before birth.
The Umbilical Cord’s Vital Role
Before birth, the umbilical cord serves as a lifeline, connecting the developing fetus to the placenta within the mother’s uterus. This flexible, tube-like structure is essential for sustaining the growing baby. It contains three blood vessels: one umbilical vein and two umbilical arteries. The umbilical vein transports oxygen-rich blood and vital nutrients, such as glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids, from the placenta to the fetus.
Conversely, the two umbilical arteries carry deoxygenated blood and waste products, including carbon dioxide and urea, from the fetus back to the placenta. The placenta acts as the fetus’s temporary lungs, heart, and gastrointestinal system, facilitating this crucial two-way exchange. A gelatinous substance known as Wharton’s jelly surrounds and protects these delicate blood vessels, cushioning them within the cord.
From Cord to Navel: The Transformation
Immediately following birth, the umbilical cord is no longer necessary as the baby’s own organ systems begin to function independently. Healthcare providers clamp and cut the cord, a procedure that is painless for both the mother and the newborn due to the absence of nerves in the cord. A small portion, known as the umbilical stump, remains attached to the baby’s abdomen.
Over the next one to three weeks, this stump undergoes a natural process of drying and shriveling. Its color gradually changes from a yellowish-green to brown and eventually black before it naturally detaches. Once the stump falls off, it leaves behind a small wound that heals to form the belly button, which is essentially a scar. It is common for the newly formed navel to appear slightly red or have a small amount of clear or blood-tinged fluid as it continues to heal.
Beyond Birth: The Belly Button’s Current Status
After the umbilical cord stump has fully healed and fallen off, the resulting belly button serves no functional purpose within the adult human body. It is a permanent scar, a lasting reminder of the vital connection that existed before birth. While it lacks physiological utility, the navel does hold significance as an anatomical landmark.
Healthcare professionals often use the belly button as a reference point to divide the abdomen into quadrants, aiding in diagnosis and guiding medical procedures. Beyond its role as a topographical marker, the belly button also holds aesthetic importance for many individuals, with its appearance varying widely from person to person. Internally, the remnants of the umbilical vessels transform into ligaments that connect to structures like the liver and bladder.