Body Piercing Glossary

A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  XYZ

Navel

• The hole in the center of the abdomen.
• The scar left where the umbilical cord was attached when we were in our mother's womb.
• Scar tissue has a poor blood supply so that piercings here heal slowly.

Nickel

• A silvery white metal used to strengthen steel and to prevent corrosion.
• Atomic Number 28
• Chemical Symbol "Ni".
• Melting point 1453^oC
• A constituent of "Surgical Stainless Steel"

Niobium

• A white superconductive metal.
• Atomic Number 41
• Chemical Symbol "Nb".
• Melting point 2468^oC
• Chemically inert and thus suitable for piercing.

Nipple

• The raised erectile tissue at the centre of the areola, the pigmented part of the breast.
• Frequently pierced in males and females.
• Both sensitive and tough, piercing the nipple is more painful than most other areas of the body.
• The milk ducts end at the nipple and every nipple piercing will penetrate some ducts. However this does not prevent breastfeeding.

Noble Metals

• Metals which are non-reactive, inert or resistant to oxidation.
• Traditionally includes, gold, silver and copper.
• Unfortunately this does not guarantee their safety in piercing.
• Niobium and Titanium are truly inert and suitable for piercing.

Normal Saline

• See Saline.