The navel clinically known as the umbilicus ; pl. The umbilicus is used to visually separate the abdomen into quadrants. The umbilicus is a prominent scar on the abdomen, with its position being relatively consistent among 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 , [ 3 ] with a normal variation among people between the L3 and L5 vertebrae.
Parts of the adult navel include the "umbilical cord remnant" or "umbilical tip", which is the often protruding scar left by the detachment of the umbilical cord. This is located in the center of the navel, sometimes described as the belly button. Around the cord remnant is the "umbilical collar", formed by the dense fibrous umbilical ring.
Surrounding the umbilical collar is the periumbilical skin. Directly behind the navel is a thick fibrous cord formed from the umbilical cord, called the urachus , which originates from the bladder. The belly button is unique to each individual due to it being a scar, and various general forms have been classified by medical practitioners.
Outies are sometimes mistaken for umbilical hernias ; however, they are a completely different shape with no health concern, unlike an umbilical hernia. The navel specifically abdominal wall would be considered an umbilical hernia if the protrusion were 5 centimeters or more. In addition to change in shape being a possible side effect from ascites and umbilical hernias, the navel can be involved in umbilical sinus or fistula, which in rare cases can lead to menstrual or fecal discharge from the navel.
