It's all about navels.


Don't like what you see? Reload for a different page!

The term "navel" typically refers to the central, slightly depressed, scar-like structure on the abdomen, often colloquially called the "belly button." It is located at the center of the belly, about midway between the chest and the pelvis. The scientific name for the navel is the "umbilicus."

The navel is a remnant of the umbilical cord that connected a developing fetus to its mother's placenta in the womb. The umbilical cord provided essential nutrients and oxygen to the fetus and removed waste products. After a baby is born, the umbilical cord is clamped and cut, leaving a small stump on the baby's abdomen. In the following days and weeks, this stump dries up and falls off, leaving behind a small scar, which is what we commonly refer to as the navel or belly button.

The appearance of the navel can vary from person to person, depending on factors such as the way the umbilical cord was cut, how the scar healed, and the individual's body shape and size. Some navels are innie-shaped, where the scar is indented into the abdomen, while others are outie-shaped, where the scar protrudes slightly from the belly.

The navel has no physiological function after birth, but it has cultural and symbolic significance in various societies. It is sometimes regarded as a unique and personal feature on an individual's body and can even be considered an erogenous zone for some people.

In addition to its association with the belly button, the term "navel" is also used in botanical terms to refer to the center or core of certain fruits, like navel oranges, where a small secondary fruit develops within the larger one, resembling a navel or belly button.





Featured Recipe:


Navel Orange Salad with Honey-Ginger Dressing:

Ingredients:

    2 navel oranges, peeled and sliced
    1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
    1/4 cup honey
    2 tablespoons grated ginger
    1/4 cup olive oil
    1/4 teaspoon salt
    1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

    In a large bowl, combine the oranges, feta cheese, and honey.
    In a small bowl, whisk together the ginger, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
    Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
    Serve immediately.

This salad is a delicious and refreshing way to enjoy navel oranges. The honey-ginger dressing
gives it a sweet and tangy flavor that is perfect for spring or summer.

Here are some tips for making this salad:

    Use ripe navel oranges for the best flavor.
    If you don't have feta cheese, you can use another type of cheese, such as goat cheese or blue cheese.
    For a more intense ginger flavor, add an extra tablespoon of grated ginger to the dressing.
    Serve the salad immediately for the best flavor











This site is not affiliated in any way with the US Navy, the US government, or any other agency, service or institution. This site is about navels, not navals. Were you looking for the US Naval Academy? Well, first learn to spell, then perhaps click here .
Wednesday, 12 November 2025 06:31:33 UTC