What Connects the Belly Button to the Body in Adults- A Comprehensive Insight
What is the belly button connected to in adults?
The belly button, also known as the navel, is a unique feature of the human body that often piques curiosity. Many people wonder what exactly the belly button is connected to in adults. This article delves into the anatomy of the navel and its connections within the human body.>
The belly button is a remnant of the umbilical cord, which connected the fetus to the placenta during pregnancy. In adults, the belly button serves as a scar from where the umbilical cord was attached to the fetus. The umbilical cord is made up of three blood vessels: two arteries and one vein. These vessels transported oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the fetus and carried waste products away.
In adults, the belly button is connected to the umbilicus, which is the point of attachment for the umbilical cord. The umbilicus is located on the anterior abdominal wall, just above the pubic bone. It is connected to the internal structures of the body through a narrow channel called the umbilical canal.
The umbilical canal serves as a pathway for the umbilical cord to connect the fetus to the placenta during pregnancy. After birth, the umbilical cord is cut, and the canal closes to form the belly button. The umbilical canal remains as a narrow, fibrous band called the umbilical cord scar, which is visible as the belly button.
Internally, the belly button is connected to several organs and structures. The most prominent connection is to the bladder. The ureters, which are the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder, pass through the umbilical canal and emerge near the belly button. This explains why the area around the belly button can sometimes be sensitive when the bladder is full.
Additionally, the belly button is connected to the fascia, a layer of connective tissue that surrounds and supports the abdominal muscles. This connection is why activities that involve the abdominal muscles, such as coughing or sneezing, can cause discomfort or pain in the area around the belly button.
The belly button also has a connection to the abdominal wall. The rectus abdominis muscle, which runs vertically along the front of the abdomen, is connected to the fascia and, in turn, to the belly button. This connection allows for movement and support of the abdominal wall.
In conclusion, the belly button in adults is a remnant of the umbilical cord and serves as a connection to several internal structures. It is a unique feature that provides insight into the human body’s development and function. While the belly button may seem like a simple part of the body, its connections to the bladder, fascia, and abdominal wall highlight its importance in overall body mechanics.>