The human body is an intricate network of interdependent systems, and occasionally, even the most minute features can provide light on our overall health.

Unexpectedly, your belly button—which is sometimes dismissed as a mere relic of your umbilical cord—may be more influential on your health than you might imagine.

This article looks at seven fascinating things about your general health that may be revealed by your belly button.

1. The dimensions and form

How the umbilical chord was severed and the healing process can affect the size and shape of your belly button. Although a “innie” or a “outie” may not directly affect your health, they do illustrate how individualised your healing process is.