If I notice DocJohn calling them by a particular name, I may include the term in what I call them: "the blue nav bar" or "the gray menu bar", for instance, for as long as I remember. I'm not saying I remember either of those ^ accurately. They're probably most useful when studying tech manuals or discussing technical matters with programmers, when a slightly wrong term could make a big difference.

Usually I describe the controls here by location and appearance ("the 'My Profile' button in the narrow blue bar near the top of this page") or, when practical, include a picture. "Here's what you use for including a quote in your post: "

If I'm not always sure I remember correctly what's called a nav bar and what isn't, I don't want to be counting on anyone else to, either.