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.
Delicious and refreshing navel orange salad: Ingredients: 2 navel oranges, peeled and segmented 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese 1/4 cup olive oil 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Instructions: In a large bowl, combine the oranges, onion, mint, and feta cheese. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately. Tips: For a sweeter salad, use blood oranges instead of navel oranges. If you don't have feta cheese, you can use goat cheese or Parmesan cheese instead. You can also add other ingredients to the salad, such as chopped walnuts, almonds, or dried cranberries. This salad is a great light lunch or dinner option. It is also a refreshing side dish for grilled chicken or fish.
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