Why do you have a Belly Button?

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Why Do You Have a Belly Button?"
Episode: Who Smarted?
Release Date: March 5, 2025

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Introduction: An Unexpected Inquiry

In the episode titled "Why Do You Have a Belly Button?" from the popular educational podcast Who Smarted?, host Trusty engages in a whimsical and informative conversation with his Grandma. The episode delves into the anatomy, purpose, and cultural significance of belly buttons, blending humor with educational insights that captivate both young listeners and their families.

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Understanding the Belly Button: Anatomy and Purpose

The episode kicks off with Trusty expressing a peculiar issue: "I keep getting little fuzzies from the sweater stuck in my belly button" ([00:50]). This playful complaint leads to a deeper inquiry about the nature and function of belly buttons.

Grandma, leveraging her background as a retired nurse, explains the origins of the belly button:
"Well, when a mother is pregnant with her baby, the umbilical cord is like a long string attached from the baby's abdomen or tummy to a nutrient-rich organ called the placenta. The point of the umbilical cord is to carry important nutrients and oxygen from the mommy to the baby while the baby is still inside the mommy's tummy" ([05:31]).

Trusty likens the umbilical cord to a straw:
"Wow. So in other words, the cord acts almost like a straw, bringing food and oxygen from mommy to baby" ([05:57]).

He further inquires about the sensation of cutting the cord, prompting Grandma to reassure listeners:
*"Not at all. The umbilical cord doesn't contain any nerves... So neither mother nor baby feels a thing" ([06:19]).

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Innies vs. Outies: What Determines Your Belly Button Type

A significant portion of the discussion explores why some people have innies and others have outies. Trusty poses the question:
"Does the word umbilicus remind you of another word you may have heard? In fact, I'll give you a hint. The word I'm thinking of is usually followed by the word cord. Did you say the umbilical cord?" ([04:22]).

Grandma clarifies that the type of belly button is not determined by how the umbilical cord is cut:
"If you said true, you're wrong... The answer is false. A lot of people think that's what causes an innie or outie belly button, but that's not the case" ([07:50]).

Instead, she explains that the appearance of the belly button results from how the skin heals post cord removal:
"Once your umbilical cord is cut and the remaining stump falls off on its own a few weeks later, your belly button is really just a result of how your skin healed. So technically, your belly button is actually a scar" ([08:02]).

Trusty, with his characteristic humor, highlights the uniqueness of belly buttons:
*"In other words, the cord acts almost like a straw... My belly button is a scar? Yep, just like mine and all the meat cake loving smarty pants listening" ([08:29]).

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Belly Buttons in the Animal Kingdom

Expanding the discussion beyond humans, Trusty questions whether dogs and cats possess belly buttons:
*"Do dogs and cats have belly buttons?" ([10:55]).

Grandma responds affirmatively, explaining that while animals do have belly buttons, they are less noticeable:
"Belly buttons on dogs and cats don't look like human belly buttons. First of all, they're a bit higher up on their abdomens, closer to the bottom of their rib cage, and they're much smaller than human belly buttons. Not only that, many people don't notice their pet's belly button because they're covered in fur" ([15:22]).

Trusty muses about the similarities in physiology between humans and animals:
*"So, smarty pants, next time your dog or cat is in a good or playful mood and shows you their belly, take a little peek and see if you can spot their belly button" ([15:46]).

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Cultural Significance and Societal Views

The conversation shifts to the cultural and societal perceptions of belly buttons. Trusty introduces a vocabulary quiz to engage listeners:
*"Smarty pants, do you know what taboo means? Is it A, something that is banned or looked down upon in society, B something that is celebrated by society, or C, a three-sided boomerang? If you said A, you're right" ([17:26]).

Grandma elaborates on the historical context:
"In many parts of the world, including the United States, showing your belly button was considered taboo for a long time... it wasn't until 1964 that an actress named Yvette Mimou became the first woman to show her belly button on American television on a show called Dr. Kildare" ([18:07]).

Trusty reflects on the significance of this break in societal norms:
*"I just can't believe they made such a big deal out of a belly button" ([18:37]).

Contrastingly, Grandma introduces a positive cultural celebration:
"Like in Japan where they celebrate belly buttons in an annual event called the Hokkai Hasu Matsui Festival" ([18:37]).
She describes the festival's origins and activities:
*"People figured since Furano is in the middle of the region of Hokkaido and the belly button is in the middle of the body, let's celebrate our town by celebrating the belly button... dancers paint their bellies with elaborate designs featuring the belly button" ([18:50]).

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Conclusion: Embracing the Unique Feature

As the episode nears its end, Trusty humorously contemplates his own identity in light of the newfound knowledge:
"But after learning so much about belly buttons, I feel like I'm part of the innie crowd. Get it? Any crowd" ([19:18]).

Grandma playfully rebukes his attempt at humor:
"Haha. Yeah, I got it. Not your best. But you're still my funniest grandson, right?" ([19:28]).

The episode wraps up with Trusty expressing gratitude for the informative and entertaining discussion:
*"Anyway, thanks for the informative chat, Grandma. But now I'm outie and leave without" ([19:34]).

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Key Takeaways:

1. Purpose of Belly Buttons: Belly buttons, or navels, are scars resulting from the detachment of the umbilical cord post-birth. They serve no functional purpose beyond being a marker of our connection to our mothers during gestation.

2. Types of Belly Buttons: Whether one has an innie or an outie is determined by how the skin heals after the umbilical cord is cut, not by the method of cord removal.

3. Belly Buttons in Animals: Most mammals, including dogs and cats, have belly buttons, though they are less pronounced and often obscured by fur.

4. Cultural Significance: Belly buttons have held various cultural significances, from being a taboo topic in historical contexts to being celebrated in festivals like Japan's Hokkai Hasu Matsui.

5. Anatomical Insights: The umbilical cord functions similarly to a nutrient straw, providing essential nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the developing baby.

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Notable Quotes:

• Trusty: "But I keep getting little fuzzies from the sweater stuck in my belly button" ([00:50]).

• Grandma: "So technically, your belly button is actually a scar" ([08:29]).

• Trusty: "My belly button is a scar? Yep, just like mine and all the meat cake loving smarty pants listening" ([08:29]).

• Grandma: "In many parts of the world, including the United States, showing your belly button was considered taboo for a long time" ([17:26]).

• Grandma: "Like in Japan where they celebrate belly buttons in an annual event called the Hokkai Hasu Matsui Festival" ([18:50]).

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Final Thoughts

This episode of Who Smarted? masterfully combines humor, factual information, and engaging dialogue to explore the seemingly simple question: "Why do you have a belly button?" Trusty and Grandma's dynamic interaction not only answers the question but also invites listeners to appreciate the unique facets of human anatomy and its place within broader cultural contexts. Whether you're a parent seeking educational content or a child with a curious mind, this episode promises both laughter and learning, embodying the essence of what makes Who Smarted? a beloved podcast for families and classrooms alike.

Transcript

[Trusty]

And now it's time for who Smarted? Surprise.

[Grandma]

Oh, trusty, what a nice surprise. It's so good to see my favorite grandson.

[Trusty]

But Grandma, I'm your only grandson.

[Grandma]

Then it's a good thing you're my favorite.

[Trusty]

Uh, good point.

[Grandma]

Ooh, and I see you're wearing the meat cake sweater I knit for you.

[Trusty]

Yes. Oh, and smarty pants, before you get the wrong idea, the sweater has a picture of meat cake on it and says meat cake in big red letters. It's not made of meat cake.

[Grandma]

What? No. Meat cakes are for eating, not wearing. This sweater is made of the finest alpaca yarn and Grandma's love.

[Trusty]

Aw, thanks, Grandma. I must say, it is my favorite sweater. But.

[Grandma]

But what?

[Trusty]

But I keep getting little fuzzies from the sweater stuck in my belly button.

[Grandma]

Oh, well, that's what belly buttons are for.

[Trusty]

For collecting sweater fuzz.

[Grandma]

Sure. Well, they do other things too.

[Trusty]

Like what? Psst. Smartypants. Do you know what's the point of belly buttons? Do they serve a purpose? And why do some people have innies and other people have outies? Oh, hey, honey girl. I'm so happy to see you. Say, does honey girl have a belly button? And what about other kinds of animals?

[Grandma]

Oh, wow. Sounds like today's visit is gonna be all about belly buttons. Luckily, I'm a retired nurse, so I know all about them, including what they're for.

[Trusty]

Great, smarty pants. It looks like we're in for another whiff of science and history on who smarted?

[Grandma]

Who's smarted? Who's smart? Is it you? Is it me? Is it science? Or. Listen up everyone. We make smarting lots of fun. But who'ssmarted?

[Jerry Colber]

Hey there, smarty pants. Parents, you love Whosmarted because it makes learning fun for your kids.

[Trusty]

But what about your brain?

[Jerry Colber]

I'm Jerry Colber, the co creator of Whosmarted and yes, your very own trusty narrator. And I've got something just for you.

[Trusty]

It's called the Daily brain, a quick.

[Jerry Colber]

10 minute podcast designed to help you think, sharper, stress less, and boost your brain power with simple science backed exercises. From problem solving hacks to memory tricks and focus boosters, the Daily Brain is like a mini workout for your mind. No heavy lifting required. So after Whosmarted, treat yourself to some brain boosting fun. Listen to the Daily Brain wherever you get your podcasts.

[Abby]

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[Grandma]

Some nut milk for your tea, dear?

[Trusty]

Yes, please, Grandma.

[Grandma]

Oh, and if you get hungry, you can help yourself to the fruit bowl filled with navel oranges.

[Trusty]

Did you say navel oranges? Yep.

[Grandma]

Did you know they're called that because they look like they have belly buttons? In fact, the proper term for belly buttons is navel, though the scientific term is umbilicus.

[Abby]

Whoa.

[Trusty]

So wait, are you saying a belly button can be called a navel or an umbilicus?

[Grandma]

Yes, I just said that. If you weren't so busy picking meat cake sweater fuzz out of your belly button, you would have heard me.

[Trusty]

Sorry, there really is a lot in there. But enough about my belly button problems. Smartypants. Does the word umbelicus remind you of another word you may have heard? In fact, I'll give you a hint. The word I'm thinking of is usually followed by the word cord. Did you say the umbilical cord? Great job if you got that, smarty pants.

[Grandma]

Yes, very good, smarting smarty pants. And in fact, your umbilical cord is why you, me and Trusty all have an umbilicus or belly button in the first place. Trusty, stop picking.

[Trusty]

Sorry, my fuzzy navel was itching. Also, are you sure this sweater isn't made of meat cake? I smell meat cake.

[Grandma]

Yeah, that's because I have six meat cakes in the oven. They should be ready by the end of this episode.

[Trusty]

Oh, that's great. Anyway, smarty pants, does everyone know what an umbilical cord is and what exactly it does? Grandma, maybe you can tell them.

[Grandma]

Well, when a mother is pregnant with her baby, the umbilical cord is like a long string attached from the baby's abdomen or tummy to a nutrient rich organ called the placenta. The point of the umbilical cord is to carry important nutrients and oxygen from the mommy to the Baby While the baby is still inside the mommy's tummy.

[Trusty]

Wow. So in other words, the cord acts almost like a straw, bringing food and oxygen from mommy to baby.

[Grandma]

Yep. Then, as soon as the baby is born, a doctor or nurse like me cuts the umbilical cord, since the baby no longer needs it.

[Trusty]

Ouch. Does it hurt?

[Grandma]

Not at all. The umbilical cord doesn't contain any nerves.

[Trusty]

So?

[Grandma]

So neither mother nor baby feels a thing. Trust me, I must have cut hundreds of umbilical cords. Would you like a biscotti, dear?

[Trusty]

Uh, no thanks. I lost my appetite.

[Grandma]

That's okay. Save room for meat cake. Anyway, after the umbilical cord is cut, a small stump remains on the baby's belly, which is secured with a small clamp. After a few weeks, the baby, the stump falls off on its own, and voila. You're left with your very own, totally unique belly button for the rest of your life.

[Trusty]

Totally unique? You mean, like, no two belly buttons are alike? Like snowflakes or fingerprints?

[Grandma]

That's what I said.

[Abby]

Whoa.

[Grandma]

Some people have innies, which look like someone dug a little hole in your tummy, while other people have outies, which look like a mound of skin. But beyond that, there is so much variation to belly buttons. Oh, you got deep ones, shallow ones. Some are oval, some are tiny, some are big, some are hairy, some are smooth, Some are. Well, you get the picture. Trusty. Stop picking.

[Trusty]

Sorry. Do all sweaters do this? Anyway, smarty pants, true or false? The way your umbilical cord gets cut determines whether you end up with an innie or an Audi. Go ahead, shout out your answer.

[Grandma]

If you said true, you're wrong. A lot of people think that's what causes an innie or outie belly button, but that's not the case. The answer is false.

[Trusty]

Aha. So what does determine whether you wind up with an innie or an Audi?

[Grandma]

Well, I'm afraid it's a bit of a boring answer. Once your umbilical cord is cut and the remaining stump falls off on its own a few weeks later, your belly button is really just a result of how your skin healed. So technically, your belly button is actually a scar.

[Trusty]

My belly button is a scar?

[Grandma]

Yep, just like mine and all the meat cake loving smarty pants listening.

[Trusty]

Uh, first of all, I don't think all the smarty pants love meat cake. And secondly, Grandma, that's not a boring answer at all. The fact that every single human being on the planet has a gnarly scar in the middle of their body, and we collectively As a society decided to give it the cute name, Belly button. That's adorable.

[Grandma]

Oh, I guess you're right. I hadn't thought of it that way. But I do think you're wrong about them not loving meat cake. Oh, and I have a plant based meat cake in case any of you don't eat meat.

[Trusty]

Oh, thanks, grandma. That's very thoughtful of you. But I do think some of the smarty pants might be scared of the words meat and cake right next to each other.

[Grandma]

Wow, that's strange. Almost as strange as the fact that some people are afraid of belly buttons.

[Trusty]

Afraid of belly buttons? Who? How? Why?

[Grandma]

I'm not saying it's a completely rational or reasonable fear trustee. I'm just saying that there's some people who are afraid of their own belly button. Or someone else's. Or maybe both.

[Trusty]

Hmm. Smarty pants, what do you think the name is for the fear of belly buttons? Is it A, navalophobia, B, umbilicalophobia, Or C, omphalophobia? If you guessed C omphalophobia, you're right.

[Grandma]

But don't worry, smarty pants. Your belly buttons cannot hurt you. You can trust Grandma. I'm a retired nurse, remember? Ooh, you know what that means. Meat cake's ready.

[Trusty]

So wait, Grandma, while we wait for the meat cake to cool, I need to know, after we all lose our umbilical cords, do our belly buttons exist just to collect sweater fuzz for the rest of our lives? Do they serve any other purpose?

[Grandma]

Well, the short answer is not really. But for certain surgeries, when a doctor has to make an incision, they may do it through the belly button so they don't risk creating a new scar on a person's abdomen. For example, a gallbladder surgery or when removing an appendix.

[Trusty]

Oh, that's kind of cool. Why make more scars when the belly button is technically already a scar?

[Grandma]

Precisely.

[Trusty]

What about honey girl?

[Grandma]

Oh, she loves meat cake.

[Trusty]

No, no, I'm not asking about meat cake. I'm asking if she has a belly button. What do you think, smarty pants? Do dogs and cats have belly buttons? The answer is coming up right after this quick break and a word from our sponsors. This episode is brought to you by ixl. As someone who's constantly balancing work and life, I know how tough it can be to make sure kids get the academic support they need, whether they're homeschooled or in a traditional classroom. That's why IXL has been a lifesaver. It's an online learning program that covers math, language, arts, science, and social studies with interactive practice problems, games and video tutorials. Plus, it makes learning fun. Just like WhoSmarted. For homeschool parents, iExcel is the perfect supplement to your curriculum, giving kids personalized learning at their own pace. And for parents of traditional school kids, it is a great way to reinforce what they're learning in class. Whether they need extra help or are just looking for a challenge. Make an impact on your child's learning. Get IXL today. Podcast listeners get an exclusive 20% off when you sign [e-mail] Visit ixl.com smarted now to give your child the best learning support available. IXL where learning Clicks this episode is brought to you by Squarespace. Smarty Pants it's quiz time. If you wanted to start a business, share your ideas with the world, or finally launch your site about history's weirdest inventions, what is the smartest way to do it? Is it A Shouting your message from the top of a volcano? B Training an army of synchronized skywriting parrots, or c Building a sleek professional website with Squarespace. If you said C, Congratulations. You win the Internet. With Squarespace's design intelligence, you can build a beautiful website in minutes. No coding, wizardry or secret handshake required. Want to sell stuff? Squarespace Payments lets you accept Apple Pay, Klarna, and even credit cards. And because social media runs the universe, Squarespace seamlessly connects your site to Instagram, YouTube, and more, so your fans or future customers can easily find you. Start your free trial [e-mail] smartid and when you're ready to launch, use code smarted to save 10% on your first website or domain. Now who's ready to make history? Hey smarty parents. I love Green Chef because of how absolutely easy the meals are to make and how every night it feels like we're eating at a restaurant right at home. The variety is excellent and includes meals for special diets like keto, gluten free and calorie smart. With pre portioned ingredients, there's less prep, less mess and more time to enjoy delicious meals. Green Chef's easy to follow directions means my kitchen phobic family members actually cook when we get our Green Chef kit. And it's a great way to get your kids involved in the kitchen too. Plus, Green Chef is owned by HelloFresh, which lets me switch between the brands for even more variety. And now my listeners can enjoy both at a discount with me. Thrive all year with clean, easy meals from Green chef go to greenchef.com smartedfree and use code smarted Free to get free salads for two months plus 50% off your first box. That's greenchef.com smartedfree and use code smarted Free to get free salads for two months plus 50% off your first box. Green Chef, the number one meal kit for eating well. Now back to who's smarty. Smarty pants, have you ever taken a look at your dog or cat's belly to see if they have a belly button? Hmm, let's check. Hey, honey girl, come here. Come here, girl. That's right. Who wants a belly rub? Oh, yes, you do. Yes, you do. Hmm. It doesn't look like honey girl has a belly button. I'm gonna say that's a no, Grandma.

[Grandma]

Sounds like you've offended her, Trusty, because you're wrong. Dogs, cats, and most other mammals have.

[Trusty]

Belly buttons, but I didn't see one. Where is it?

[Grandma]

Well, sometimes they're just hard to see. Belly buttons on dogs and cats don't look like human belly buttons. First of all, they're a bit higher up on their abdomens, closer to the bottom of their rib cage, and they're much smaller than human belly buttons. Not only that many people don't notice their pet's belly button because they're covered in fur. Why don't you take another look?

[Trusty]

Okay. Come here, honey girl. You know what? Maybe I'll try later, Grandma, but I'll take your word for it. But, smarty pants, next time your dog or cat is in a good or playful mood and shows you their belly, take a little peek and see if you can spot their belly button. Be gentle. Of course. Aw, I love you, too, honey girl. Here, girl. Go fetch. Say, Grandma, if dogs and cats have belly buttons, does that mean they also had umbilical cords as kittens and puppies?

[Grandma]

Why, yes, trusty. That's a very wise deduction. That's why you're my smartest grandson, Right?

[Trusty]

Still your only grandson. But anyway, when it comes to dogs and cats, I guess the vet cuts off their umbilical cord just like a doctor or nurse does with a baby.

[Grandma]

Ooh, another excellent deduction, my darling grandson. Except this time, you are 100% wrong. Oh, veterinarians don't need to cut off umbilical cords on puppies or kitties. That's because the mother dog or cat actually chews off the umbilical cord.

[Trusty]

Oh, wow. I did not see that coming.

[Grandma]

Another navel orange, dear?

[Trusty]

Uh, no thanks, Grandma. I think I just lost my appetite.

[Grandma]

Well, I sure hope you get it back soon. Those seven trays of meat cake aren't gonna eat themselves. Nom nom, nom, nom nom.

[Trusty]

Can we please talk about something other than eating?

[Grandma]

Sure. What else do you want to know?

[Trusty]

Well, other than physiology, do belly buttons have any other significance like in society or pop culture?

[Grandma]

They sure do. Belly buttons have become very fashionable with belly rings. And before that, the belly shirt was invented just to show off belly buttons. But you have to remember, in many parts of the world, including the United States, showing your belly button was considered taboo for a long time.

[Trusty]

Smarty pants, do you know what taboo means? Is it A, something that is banned or looked down upon in society, B something that is celebrated by society, or C, a three sided boomerang? If you said A, you're right.

[Grandma]

For a long time, women weren't allowed to show their belly buttons on television, but guys could.

[Trusty]

Doesn't seem fair.

[Grandma]

You're telling me. It wasn't until 1964 that an actress named Yvette Mimou became the first woman to show her belly button on American television on a show called Dr. Kildare.

[Trusty]

Really? She just showed her belly button randomly?

[Grandma]

No, of course not. She was in a scene at the beach riding a surfboard. But it sure made waves. Get it?

[Trusty]

Yeah, Grandma. Good one. I just can't believe they made such a big deal out of a belly button.

[Grandma]

I know. Then again, some parts of the world make a big deal out of belly buttons in a good way. Like in Japan where they celebrate belly buttons in an annual event called the Hokkai Hasu Matsui Festival.

[Trusty]

A belly button festival? How? Why?

[Grandma]

It all started in 1969 in the town of Furano. People figured since Furano is in the middle of the region of Hokkaido and the belly button is in the middle of the body, let's celebrate our town by celebrating the belly button. Every year, thousands of people attend the festival and dancers paint their bellies with elaborate designs featuring the belly button.

[Trusty]

That sounds very fun and very weird, Grandma. But after learning so much about belly buttons, I feel like I'm part of the innie crowd. Get it? Any crowd.

[Grandma]

Haha. Yeah, I got it. Not your best. But you're still my funniest grandson, right?

[Trusty]

Anyway, thanks for the informative chat, Grandma. But now I'm outie and leave without.

[Grandma]

Having any meat cake. Oh no. Nobody's allowed to visit grandma and leave with an empty belly or belly button. Haha. See, that's a good one.

[Trusty]

Oh boy. I'd rather eat my umbilical cord.

[Grandma]

Hey, I heard that.

[Trusty]

A super shout out to Everett in Fox River Grove, Illinois. We're so glad to hear how engaging and educational you find who's smarted and that your whole family is learning science from you, Everett. Well done, smarty pants. This episode, Belly Buttons, was written by Phil Jeremy and voiced by Adam. Meet Cake Davis and Jerry Colber. Technical direction and sound design by Josh Hahn. Our associate producer is Max Kamasky. The theme song is by Brian Suarez with lyrics written and performed by Adam. Tex Davis, who Smarted was created and produced by Adam, Tex Davis and Jerry Colbert. This has been an Atomic Entertainment production.