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[[File:Female Outie 2.jpg|thumb|An "outie" navel on a female]]
[[File:Female Outie 2.jpg|thumb|An "outie" navel on a female]]
In humans, the navel scar can appear as a depression (often referred to colloquially as an ''"innie"'') or as a protrusion (''"outie"''). About 90% of humans have innies.<ref name="The Ins and Outs of Belly Buttons"/> The occurrence of an "outie" navel is caused by the extra scar tissue left from the umbilical cord<ref>http://www.divinecaroline.com/self/self-discovery/ins-and-outs-belly-buttons</ref> or from [[umbilical hernia]]s, although the latter does not always cause an "outie" to develop. Frequently separated into just those two categories, navels vary quite widely among people in terms of size, shape, depth, length, and overall appearance. As navels are scars, and not defined by [[genetics]], they can serve as a way of distinguishing between identical twins in the absence of other identifiable marks.
In humans, the navel scar can appear as a depression (often referred to colloquially as an ''"innie"'') or as a protrusion (''"outie"''). About 90% of humans have innies.<ref name="The Ins and Outs of Belly Buttons"/> The occurrence of an "outie" navel is caused by the extra scar tissue left from the umbilical cord<ref>http://www.divinecaroline.com/self/self-discovery/ins-and-outs-belly-buttons</ref> or from [[umbilical hernia]]s, although the latter does not always cause an "outie" to develop. Frequently separated into just those two categories, navels vary quite widely among people in terms of size, shape, depth, length, and overall appearance. As navels are scars, and not defined by [[genetics]], they can serve as a way of distinguishing between identical twins in the absence of other identifiable marks.

===Disorders===
The navel can be involved in umbilical [[sinus {anatomy}|sinus]] or fistula, which in rare cases can lead to menstrual or fecal discharge from the navel. Menstrual discharge from the umbilicus is associated with umbilical [[endometriosis]], a rare disorder.<ref name="BagadeGuirguis2009">{{cite journal|last1=Bagade|first1=Pallavi V|last2=Guirguis|first2=Mamdouh M|title=Menstruating from the umbilicus as a rare case of primary umbilical endometriosis: a case report|journal=Journal of Medical Case Reports|volume=3|issue=1|year=2009|pages=9326|issn=1752-1947|doi=10.1186/1752-1947-3-9326}}</ref><ref>{{Citation
| url = http://pediatriceducation.org/2008/06/02/
| accessdate = 2014-06-02
}}</ref>


===Loss of the navel===
===Loss of the navel===

Revision as of 20:22, 2 June 2014

For other uses, see Navel (disambiguation).
"Belly button" redirects here. For other uses, see Belly button (disambiguation).
Navel
Male human navel
Female human navel
Details
Identifiers
LatinUmbilicus
MeSHD014472
TA98A01.2.04.005
TA2261
FMA61584
Anatomical terminology

The navel (clinically known as the umbilicus, colloquially known as the belly button, umbilical dip or tummy button) is a scar[1] on the abdomen at the attachment site of the umbilical cord. All placental mammals have a navel, and it is quite conspicuous in humans.[2] Other animals' navels tend to be smoother and flatter, often nothing more than a thin line, and are often obscured by fur.[3]

Human anatomy

See also: umbilical vein and umbilical artery
The navel is the centre of the circle in this drawing by Leonardo

The umbilicus is a prominent mark on the abdomen, with its position being relatively consistent amongst humans. The skin around the waist at the level of the umbilicus is supplied by the tenth thoracic spinal nerve (T10 dermatome). The umbilicus itself typically lies at a vertical level corresponding to the junction between the L3 and L4 vertebrae,[4] with a normal variation among people between the L3 and L5 vertebrae.[5] The umbilicus forms a visible depression on the skin of the abdomen, and the underlying abdominal muscle layers also present a concavity; thinness at this point contributes to a relative structural weakness, making it susceptible to hernia.[citation needed] During pregnancy, the uterus presses the navel of the pregnant woman outward; it usually retracts again after birth.

The umbilicus is used to visually separate the abdomen into quadrants. The navel is the center of the circle enclosing the spread-eagle figure in Leonardo da Vinci's Vitruvian Man drawing. The navel is rarely the focus in contemporary art and literature.[6]

Aki Sinkkonen at the University of Helsinki in Finland thinks that the navel may be an indicator of mating potential in fertile women. In his article in the The FASEB Journal, he proposes that the umbilicus, together with the surrounding skin area, is an honest signal of individual vigor. He suggests that the symmetry, shape, and position of umbilicus can be used to estimate the reproductive potential of fertile females, including risks of certain genetically and maternally inherited fetal anomalies.[7][8]

Innies and outies

An "outie" navel on a female

In humans, the navel scar can appear as a depression (often referred to colloquially as an "innie") or as a protrusion ("outie"). About 90% of humans have innies.[3] The occurrence of an "outie" navel is caused by the extra scar tissue left from the umbilical cord[9] or from umbilical hernias, although the latter does not always cause an "outie" to develop. Frequently separated into just those two categories, navels vary quite widely among people in terms of size, shape, depth, length, and overall appearance. As navels are scars, and not defined by genetics, they can serve as a way of distinguishing between identical twins in the absence of other identifiable marks.

Disorders

The navel can be involved in umbilical [[sinus {anatomy}|sinus]] or fistula, which in rare cases can lead to menstrual or fecal discharge from the navel. Menstrual discharge from the umbilicus is associated with umbilical endometriosis, a rare disorder.[10][11]

Loss of the navel

Some people do not have a navel as a result of surgery needed to correct abdominal problems at birth such as umbilical hernia or gastroschisis, a condition where the stomach and intestines poke through a hole in the abdominal wall. Only a smooth indentation is found in the place of the navel.[12] Adults may lose their navels during stomach surgeries or skin grafts, while some adults opt to have their navels surgically enhanced via umbilicoplasty.

Erogenous zone

A T-shaped navel

The navel is one of the many erogenous zones that has heightened sensitivity.[13] The navel and the region below when touched by the finger or the tip of the tongue result in the production of erotic sensations.[13][14] This is because the navel and the genitals have a common tissue origin, and in some people this connection still exists [dubious – discuss] so that stimulation of the navel will elicit a distinct tickle in the genitals.[15] A study done by Charles Puckett of the University of Missouri found that vertically oriented navels with a T-shape were considered the most attractive.[2][16][17][18]

Bacteria

See also: Skin flora § Belly button microbiome

A team of scientists have discovered 1,400 strains of bacteria in human umbilical dips.[19] North Carolina State University's Belly Button Biodiversity study found 662 unrecognised strains that could be unique new species.[19][20][21]

Philosophical

St Thomas Aquinas considered the navel as the "bodily metaphor for spiritual things".[22]

Alternative medicine

Manipura chakra that represents the navel

Indian medicine

In Indian traditional medicine, the Cyperus rotundus tuber is made into a paste and applied around the navel to relieve pain caused by roundworms. Pomegranate plant juice and paste is used to treat snake bites; the juice is dropped into the nostrils, ears, and navel.[23] Applying a little bit of ghee or mustard oil on cotton and keeping it on the navel overnight is considered a remedy for dry lips.[24][25] Castor oil is applied to the navel of infants as a remedy for stomach aches.[26] The Gonds, a tribe from central India, apply Gloriosa superba rhizome extract over the navel and vagina to cause labour pain and perform normal delivery.[27]

According to Ayurveda, the navel is an important site in the human body. Nearly 72,000 subtle nerves, or nadis converge in this area.[28] By the principles of Ayurveda and yoga, the human body is made up of six chakras, with the Manipura chakra located at the spine directly behind either the navel or the solar plexus, depending on the system, while its kshetram, or superficial activation point, is located directly on the navel and represents the element fire.[29][30][31][32] Vayu, which is one of the three doshas specified in Ayurveda, is divided into five sub categories. Of these, Samāna Vayu, situated in the navel region, is believed to aid in digestion and give physical strength to the body.[33][34]

According to Ayurvedic principles, navel displacement is a condition in which the navel center shifts. This might create digestive disorders. Proper practice of yoga is considered to be a remedy to realigning the navel.[35]

Sri Lankan medicine

In Sri Lanka traditional medicine, a composition of herbs, powdered pepper, and water is applied as a paste to the navel as a remedy for stomach aches.[36] During difficulties in delivery, a betel leaf is placed on the woman's navel, which is believed to be under a spell.[37]

Russian medicine

Laying wormwood on the female navel or spreading a paste of reindeer lichen on the navel were considered by Russian women to make the delivery of a child fast and painless.[38]

Chinese medicine

In the Chinese art of acupuncture, the navel is sometimes referred to as 神阙 (shénquè, roughly translating to divine imperfection or mark of the ancestors). Often, the navel is used as a moxibustion point. However, the navel itself is not used in acupuncture due to the likelihood of infection.[39]

Public display

Main article: Navel exposure

There are many customs and taboos surrounding the public display of the navel, that have varied throughout history and from region to region.

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Human navel.
Look up umbilicus in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

References

  1. ^ Ins and outs of a beautiful belly button; As Katie Holmes shocks navel-gazers. Goliath.ecnext.com (30 June 2011).
  2. ^ a b Important Facts About Navel. Memorylogix.com (23 April 2011).
  3. ^ a b The Ins and Outs of Belly Buttons. Divinecaroline.com (27 May 2009).
  4. ^ Ellis, Harold (2006). Clinical Anatomy: Applied Anatomy for Students and Junior Doctors. New York: Wiley. ISBN 1-4051-3804-1.[1]
  5. ^ Basic Human Anatomy – O'Rahilly, Müller, Carpenter & Swenson – Chapter 25: Abdominal walls. Dartmouth Medical School. Retrieved November 2010
  6. ^ REGINA HACKETT (30 May 2002). "Dunning's examination of torsos is a truly navel experience". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved 19 March 2012.
  7. ^ Belly Buttons May Signal a Woman's Vigor. Livescience.com (3 February 2009).
  8. ^ Umbilicus as a fitness signal in humans – Aki Sinkkonen. Fasebj.org (1 January 2009).
  9. ^ http://www.divinecaroline.com/self/self-discovery/ins-and-outs-belly-buttons
  10. ^ Bagade, Pallavi V; Guirguis, Mamdouh M (2009). "Menstruating from the umbilicus as a rare case of primary umbilical endometriosis: a case report". Journal of Medical Case Reports. 3 (1): 9326. doi:10.1186/1752-1947-3-9326. ISSN 1752-1947.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)
  11. ^ http://pediatriceducation.org/2008/06/02/, retrieved 2 June 2014 {{citation}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  12. ^ Bingham, John. (18 November 2008) 'No belly button' model Karolina Kurkova sets fashion world navel gazing. The Daily Telegraph.
  13. ^ a b A celebration of sex – Douglas E. Rosenau – Chapter 3 – Your Erogenous Zones.
  14. ^ Touch Me There!: A Hands-On Guide to Your Orgasmic Hot Spots – Yvonne K. Fulbright.
  15. ^ The Essence of Tantric Sexuality – Sex and Sexuality Series – Mark A. Michaels, Patricia Johnson, Rudolph Ballentine – Chapter 13 – Tertiary Erogenic Zones. Google Books.
  16. ^ "Your 'belly button' can attract love!". The Times of India. 4 February 2009. Retrieved 16 March 2012.
  17. ^ The Ins and Outs of Belly Buttons. Divinecaroline.com (27 May 2009).
  18. ^ Attractive umbilicus (belly button) in women. Femininebeauty.info.
  19. ^ a b Gayle, Damien (8 July 2011). "Navel-gazing scientists discover the human belly button harbours 1,400 strains of bacteria". Daily Mail. London. Retrieved 10 January 2012.
  20. ^ Aldhous, Peter (4 July 2011). "Scientists find a rich array of unknown bacteria in human navels". The Washington Post. Retrieved 10 January 2012.
  21. ^ "Human Belly Button Is Home to Hundreds of Never-Before-Seen Species". POPSCI. Retrieved 10 January 2012.
  22. ^ Vithal C Nadkarni (24 May 2006). "The navel's key significance". The Times of India. Retrieved 28 August 2012.
  23. ^ Medicinal plants of the world – chemical constituents, traditional and modern medicinal uses – Ivan A. Ross. Google Books.
  24. ^ Why Rahul Dravid puts ghee on his navel. Bangaloremirror.com.
  25. ^ "8 Tips to Get Pink Lips Naturally". BollywoodShaadis.com. Retrieved 20 May 2013.
  26. ^ SHEELA RANI CHUNKATH (12 January 2003). "A healthy ritual". The Hindu. Chennai, India. Retrieved 11 April 2012.
  27. ^ R.d. Tribhuwan (2009). Body Image, Human Reproduction and Birth Control. Discovery Publishing House. p. 280. ISBN 9788183563888.
  28. ^ Ayurvedic massage: traditional Indian techniques for balancing body and mind – Harish Johari. Google Books.
  29. ^ The Hidden Mysteries of Kundalini – R. Venugopalam. Google Books.
  30. ^ Chakras: energy centers of transformation – Harish Johari. Google Books.
  31. ^ The Encyclopedia of Ayurvedic Massage – John Douillard. Google Books. (27 August 2004).
  32. ^ Ayurvedic Message for Health and Healing – S. V. Govindan. Google Books. (30 September 2000).
  33. ^ Ayurvedic healing cuisine: 200 vegetarian recipes for health, balance, and longevity – Harish Johari. Google Books.
  34. ^ Secrets of Ayurvedic Massage – Atreya Craig Smith, Atreya. Google Books.
  35. ^ The Ayurveda Encyclopedia: Natural Secrets to Healing, Prevention, & Longevity – Swami Sadashiva Tirtha. Google Books.
  36. ^ The Sri Lanka Reader – History, Culture, Politics – John Clifford Holt, Robin Kirk, Orin Starn. Google Books. (23 March 2011).
  37. ^ Exorcism and the Art of Healing in Ceylon – Brill Archive. Google Books.
  38. ^ Russia's women: accommodation, resistance, transformation – Barbara Evans Clements, Barbara Alpern Engel, Christine Worobec. Google Books.
  39. ^ Shenque Point|publisher=Baidu Baike

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