Body piercing

The Belly Button

The belly button, also known as the umbilicus or navel, is the small depression or protrusion on the abdomen that marks where the umbilical cord was once attached. This cord connected you to your mother's placenta during pregnancy, delivering nutrients and oxygen while removing waste.

There are two main types of belly buttons:

• "Innies" - the more common type, appearing as a depression
• "Outies" - which protrude slightly from the abdomen

The shape of your belly button is determined during healing after the umbilical cord is cut at birth, not by genetic factors. While it serves no physiological function after birth, this small feature has cultural significance in many societies and is considered an erogenous zone by some people.

Interestingly, the belly button contains numerous species of bacteria in its small, isolated ecosystem. It's truly a fascinating reminder of our earliest connection to life.