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:


Frozen Navel Orange Smoothie:

Ingredients:

    1 cup frozen navel orange segments (peeled and seedless)
    1 ripe banana
    1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
    1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
    1 tablespoon honey (adjust to taste)
    1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
    A handful of ice cubes (optional, for a thicker texture)

Instructions:

    Prepare the frozen navel oranges by peeling and removing any seeds. Slice the oranges into
    segments and place them in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container. Freeze the
    orange segments for a few hours or overnight until solid.

    In a blender, add the frozen navel orange segments, ripe banana, Greek yogurt, orange juice,
    honey, and vanilla extract.

    If you prefer a thicker smoothie, add a handful of ice cubes to the blender.

    Blend all the ingredients until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, you can add
    a bit more orange juice or water to reach your desired consistency.

    Taste the smoothie and adjust the sweetness with more honey if needed.

    Pour the Frozen Navel Orange Smoothie into glasses and serve immediately.

This Frozen Navel Orange Smoothie is a refreshing and nutritious treat that's perfect for hot days
or as a quick and healthy breakfast option. You can also customize the recipe by adding other
fruits like berries, pineapple, or mango to enhance the flavor further. Enjoy!










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 .
Sunday, 12 October 2025 10:17:15 UTC