"Scientific Verdict": KFU doctor dispels popular misconceptions about the umbilicus

      A specialist talked about the "untying" of the navel and its connection to the intestines.

      Since childhood, many remember the warnings of elders: "Don't lift heavy weights, or your navel will come undone." A surgeon of the highest qualification category from the 2nd surgical department of the University Clinic of Kazan Federal University, senior lecturer at the Department of Surgery at the Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology of KFU, Ilfat Galiev, explained how justified these fears are from a medical point of view.

      Myth No. 1. Under strong tension, the navel can "come undone."

      "The umbilicus is formed by skin and scar tissue, at its base is the umbilical ring, which is a weak spot in the anterior abdominal wall. With increased intra-abdominal pressure (lifting weights, strong straining, and coughing), it can expand, and a hernia can form at the weakened site, leading to deformation of the navel," the surgeon explained.

      Myth No. 2. The umbilicus is connected to the intestines; if it is damaged, peritonitis will begin.

      There is an opinion that any damage to this area—a scratch or a puncture—can lead to peritonitis because infection can reach vital organs.

      "There is no connection to the intestines. Inflammation of the umbilicus is called omphalitis; this is inflammation of the skin and, fortunately, does not lead to the development of peritonitis. Only with the development of an umbilical hernia can loops of the intestine be located in the hernial sac," emphasized Ilfat Galiev.

      Myth No. 3. The shape of the navel (protruding or recessed) depends on how it was "tied" in the maternity hospital.

      Many believe that the aesthetic aspect is determined by the professionalism of the doctor who cut and tied the umbilical cord.

      "This is not true; during the intrauterine development of the fetus, the umbilical cord is the only connecting link with the mother's body. From the moment of birth, it ceases to function. After tying, a scar forms above the umbilical ring, and the remainder of the umbilical cord falls off," explained the senior lecturer.

      Myth No. 4. People with a protruding navel have weaker muscles.

      There is an opinion that those with such navels have a weaker muscular corset than those with flat or deep ones.

      "This statement is incorrect. The shape of the abdomen is not determined by the level of muscle development. Weakness of the anterior abdominal wall occurs in the postoperative period, with myodystrophy, and also in untrained individuals," the doctor reported.

      Myth No. 5. It is through the umbilicus that the child in the mother's womb receives nutrition and beneficial enzymes.

      "Correctly, arterial blood with oxygen and nutrients enters the fetus from the mother's body through the umbilical vein, while venous blood with carbon dioxide exits through the umbilical arteries (there are 2), and urine exits through the urachus," confirmed I. Galiev.

      The "Scientific Verdict" project was initiated by the Department of Information Policy of Kazan University. Every Wednesday, university experts shed light on the most well-known and established stereotypes. Anyone can participate in the project by sending their myth to the email address: pressa-kfu@mail.ru. Earlier, a psychologist from KFU debunked myths about aquaphobia.

      When partially or fully reprinting the material, as well as quoting, it is necessary to refer to the press service of KFU.

      Join KFU's channel on MAX.

      Author: Amina Murat, Department of Information Policy of KFU

      Source: KFU

      24.06.2026 12:29

      More news about the event:

      Residents of Tatarstan debunked myths about the umbilicus

      Surgeon Ilfat Galiev from KFU's Unique Clinic dispelled popular misconceptions about the navel. 13:37 24.06.2026 TRK Tatarstan-New Century - Kazan

      "Scientific Verdict": KFU doctor dispelled popular misconceptions about the umbilicus

      A specialist talked about the "untying" of the navel and its connection to the intestines. Since childhood, many remember the warnings of elders: "Don't lift heavy weights, or your navel will come undone." 12:29 24.06.2026 KFU - Kazan

      News from neighboring regions on the topic:

      Botox helped not for wrinkles, but for a hernia: doctors from GKB No. 7 saved a 74-year-old patient

      Surgeons from Central City Hospital No. 7 used botulinum toxin to treat a large hernia in a 74-year-old patient. 17:34 22.06.2026 OTV - Yekaterinburg