What do you call space between breasts? The intermammary cleft explained

September 27, 2025 •

3 min read

According to anatomical consensus, the space between the breasts is medically known as the intermammary cleft or sulcus intermammarius. Understanding the precise terminology is crucial for discussing health concerns related to this area, which is often colloquially referred to as "cleavage."

Quick Summary

The anatomical term for the space between the breasts is the intermammary cleft or sulcus intermammarius. This narrow furrow is marked by the sternum and popular usage of the word "cleavage" often refers to the appearance created by clothing, not the anatomical area itself. This distinction is vital for understanding health, cosmetic, and surgical topics related to the chest.

Key Points

Anatomical Term: The space between breasts is medically called the intermammary cleft or sulcus intermammarius.
Not 'Cleavage': 'Cleavage' is a fashion term, while the intermammary cleft refers to the specific anatomical groove.
Central to the Sternum: This area is directly over the sternum, or breastbone, which protects vital chest organs.
Supported by Ligaments: Cooper's ligaments contribute to breast support and the shape of the intermammary cleft.
Prone to Skin Issues: The area is susceptible to dermatological conditions like psoriasis and fungal infections.
Watch for Health Changes: Regular breast self-awareness, including checking the intermammary area, is crucial for detecting issues like lumps or skin changes early.
Surgical Considerations: The 'intermammary distance' is a key aesthetic factor in breast augmentation surgery.

Demystifying the Terminology: Medical vs. Common Language

While "cleavage" is a common term in fashion, it is not the medical term for the space between the breasts. The correct anatomical term is the intermammary cleft or sulcus intermammarius. This terminology, derived from Latin words for "between" and "breast," provides a precise way to refer to this specific area, which is important for medical discussions and health research.

The Cleavage vs. The Cleft: A Comparison

To highlight the difference, here is a comparison:


Aspect	Intermammary Cleft / Sulcus Intermammarius	Cleavage	Décolletage
Usage	Medical, anatomical context	Popular culture, fashion, casual conversation	Fashion term for a low neckline or exposed skin
Definition	Natural furrow between breasts over the sternum	Visible effect of a prominent bustline, often influenced by clothing	Entire upper chest area revealed by clothing
Anatomical Basis	Space defined by sternum and breast tissue attachment	Visual effect, not a distinct anatomical part	Area exposed by a specific style of clothing

The Anatomy Beneath the Cleft: The Sternum

The intermammary cleft lies over the sternum, also known as the breastbone. This bone is a key part of the rib cage, protecting internal organs in the chest. The sternum has three parts: the manubrium at the top connecting to collarbones and ribs, the body where most ribs attach, and the xiphoid process at the bottom. The structure of the sternum and its connections provides chest stability, and issues here can cause pain in the intermammary cleft area.

Connective Tissues and Their Role

A layer of tissue called superficial fascia is attached to the sternum and pectoral fascia, helping to support the breasts and shape the intermammary sulcus. Cooper's ligaments, fibrous tissues within the breast, also support the breasts and influence the cleft's shape. Weakening of these ligaments over time can lead to breast sagging.

Health Considerations for the Intermammary Area

The area between the breasts can be affected by various health issues, including skin conditions and structural concerns.

Common Dermatological Conditions

Due to moisture and friction, the intermammary cleft can develop skin conditions. These include:

Psoriasis: Red, scaly patches in skin folds.
Tinea versicolor: Fungal infection causing discolored skin patches.
Hidradenitis suppurativa: Chronic condition with painful lumps and abscesses.
Prurigo pigmentosa: Rare condition with itchy, red bumps in the area.

Symmastia

Symmastia is a condition where breast tissue appears joined across the midline, blurring the intermammary cleft. It can be present from birth or can happen after breast augmentation surgery.

Sternum Pain

Pain in the central chest, which may feel like it's in the intermammary cleft area, can stem from the sternum or costal cartilage. Causes include injury (like from CPR), inflammation (costochondritis), or even pain from issues like acid reflux.

Maintaining Breast Health and Self-Awareness

Regularly checking your breasts and the surrounding area, including the intermammary cleft, is vital for spotting potential health problems early. Be aware of:

Lumps or hard areas in the breast, sternum, or armpits.
Skin changes like dimpling or redness.
Nipple discharge.
Unusual or persistent pain.
Changes in breast size or shape.

Report any concerning changes to a doctor for a professional evaluation. For more information on breast health, resources like the Johns Hopkins Medicine guide: Breast Health: 3-Step Plan for Preventive Care are helpful.

The Intermammary Cleft and Your Overall Well-being

In cosmetic surgery, the gap between the breasts, or intermammary distance, is an important factor in procedures like breast augmentation. Surgeons can modify this distance, and procedures exist to correct symmastia. Skin health in this area, including managing sun damage, is also a concern. Understanding the anatomy and terminology of the intermammary cleft is part of a comprehensive approach to health and well-being.

Conclusion

While "cleavage" is commonly used in fashion, the correct anatomical term for the space between the breasts is the intermammary cleft. This area is located over the sternum and is supported by tissues and ligaments. Various health conditions can affect this area, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness. Using the correct terminology allows for clearer communication regarding health concerns with medical professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

The proper medical term for the space between the breasts is the intermammary cleft or sulcus intermammarius. It is a precise anatomical term used in medical contexts.

No, "cleavage" is a popular, non-medical term typically used in the context of fashion to describe the visual effect of a prominent bustline. The intermammary cleft is the actual anatomical furrow between the breasts.

The sternum is the breastbone, the long, flat bone running down the center of the chest. The intermammary cleft is the surface feature of skin and tissue that lies directly over the sternum, marking the division between the breasts.

Several dermatological conditions can occur here, including psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and fungal infections like tinea versicolor, often caused by the area retaining moisture and friction.

Symmastia is a medical condition defined as a confluence of breast tissue across the midline, resulting in little or no separation between the breasts. It can be congenital or sometimes result from a surgical procedure like breast augmentation.

Pain in this area can have multiple causes, including issues with the sternum or costal cartilage, such as from an injury or inflammation (costochondritis). It can also be referred pain from other conditions like acid reflux.

Being familiar with the normal appearance and feel of this area is part of overall breast self-awareness. It helps you more easily notice any changes, such as new lumps, skin irritation, or swelling, that could indicate a health issue requiring medical evaluation.

Breast size and shape, as well as the underlying chest wall anatomy and the elasticity of supporting ligaments, all contribute to the appearance and distance of the intermammary cleft.