What do you call the area between your breasts?

September 26, 2025 •

3 min read

The anatomical term for the space separating the breasts is the intermammary cleft, a fact recognized by the International Federation of Associations of Anatomists. While this area is colloquially known as “cleavage,” understanding the medical terminology provides a more precise and authoritative perspective on chest anatomy and skin health.

Quick Summary

The space between the breasts is medically known as the intermammary cleft or intermammary sulcus, with the more familiar and colloquial term being cleavage. This indentation is located directly over the sternum, or breastbone.

Key Points

Anatomical Term: The correct medical term for the area between your breasts is the intermammary cleft or intermammary sulcus.
Common Name: In popular culture, this area is widely known as cleavage, especially when referring to a woman's visible chest division.
Anatomical Location: The cleft is situated directly over the sternum, or breastbone, and is supported by tissues and ligaments.
Common Conditions: Due to heat and friction, common skin issues include intertrigo, heat rash, fungal infections, and psoriasis.
Skin Care: To maintain skin health in this area, keep it clean and dry, wear breathable clothing, and apply sunscreen.
When to See a Doctor: Seek medical attention for persistent rashes, lumps, or unusual pain, as these could indicate a more serious condition.

Medical Terminology for the Area Between Your Breasts

The medical terms for the area between the breasts are intermammary cleft or intermammary sulcus. These terms describe the shallow groove dividing the mammary glands, located over the sternum or breastbone. "Intermammary" comes from Latin words meaning "between" and "breast," while "sulcus" means "furrow" or "groove". In surgical contexts, it might also be called the "medial fold" or "medial definition" of the breasts.

The Popular Term: Cleavage

Cleavage is the common term for the visible depression between the breasts, often used in everyday conversation and in the context of fashion. While widely used, it differs from the intermammary cleft, which is the anatomical landmark present in all genders regardless of breast development. The modern use of the term "cleavage" is sometimes linked to the 1943 film The Outlaw.

Anatomy of the Intermammary Cleft

The intermammary cleft is an anatomical point where a deep layer of superficial fascia attaches to the sternum's periosteum, providing structural support and defining breast shape. Cooper's ligaments also insert into the skin over the sternum, further shaping the sulcus.

Common Skin Conditions in the Intermammary Area

Due to factors like warmth, moisture, and friction, the intermammary cleft is prone to several skin conditions:

Intertrigo

This inflammatory rash is caused by skin-on-skin friction, heat, and moisture, often appearing red and itchy. It can be worsened by fungal infections like Candida.

Heat Rash

Also known as prickly heat, this occurs when blocked sweat ducts trap sweat, causing small, itchy red bumps, especially in warm, humid conditions.

Tinea Versicolor

A fungal infection by Malassezia globosa can cause discolored, sometimes itchy patches on the torso.

Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis can cause red, scaly patches, while inverse psoriasis appears as smooth, red, inflamed skin in this area.

Comparing Common and Medical Terms


Feature	Common Term (Cleavage)	Medical Term (Intermammary Cleft)
Definition	The visible depression between the breasts, often used in fashion.	The anatomical furrow marking the division of the two breasts at the midline of the chest.
Usage	Everyday and informal conversation.	Medical, anatomical, and surgical settings.
Specificity	Can be influenced by clothing, position, and breast augmentation.	A precise, fixed anatomical landmark over the sternum.
Presence	Most commonly associated with women but the underlying anatomy exists in all genders.	A feature present in all human bodies, regardless of sex or breast development.

Caring for the Intermammary Area and Preventing Skin Issues

Proper care is vital for preventing skin problems in this area:

Keep the area dry. Pat the area dry thoroughly after showering, perhaps using a cool hairdryer setting.
Wear breathable fabrics. Choose natural materials like cotton for clothing and underwear to improve air circulation.
Use supportive bras. A well-fitting bra reduces skin friction, helping prevent intertrigo.
Consider anti-chafing products. Medicated powders with zinc oxide can help keep the area dry and reduce chafing; avoid cornstarch.
Apply sunscreen. The décolletage is susceptible to sun damage and premature aging. Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen.

When to Consult a Healthcare Professional

While minor irritations can be managed at home, consult a doctor or dermatologist for persistent pain, redness, lumps, or unusual skin changes. For women, symptoms like breast swelling or fever could indicate conditions like inflammatory breast cancer or mastitis.

Conclusion

Understanding both the common term "cleavage" and the medical term "intermammary cleft" allows for clear communication about this anatomical area. Proper hygiene, appropriate clothing choices, and sun protection are key to maintaining skin health in this region. Always seek professional medical advice for persistent concerns or unusual symptoms. You can find more information on breast anatomy from reputable sources like UCLA Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

The medical name for the area between the breasts is the intermammary cleft or intermammary sulcus. In surgical terms, it may also be called the medial fold of the breasts.

Cleavage is the colloquial and popular term for the depression or hollow between a woman's breasts. While it refers to the same anatomical location as the intermammary cleft, it is often associated with fashion and the visible display of the area.

The sternum, or breastbone, is the long, flat bone located in the center of the chest. The intermammary cleft lies directly over the sternum.

A rash in this area is often caused by intertrigo or heat rash, which result from trapped heat, moisture, and skin-on-skin friction. Fungal infections like tinea versicolor and conditions like psoriasis can also be culprits.

To prevent irritation, keep the area clean and dry, wear breathable fabrics like cotton, and use a well-fitting, supportive bra to minimize skin friction. Some medicated powders can also be helpful.

Yes, the skin on the chest and décolletage is sensitive and prone to sun damage and premature aging. Consistent sun protection with a broad-spectrum sunscreen is important to prevent problems like sun spots and crepey skin.

While unlikely, any new or persistent lump or skin change should be evaluated by a doctor. Conditions like inflammatory breast cancer or mastitis can cause redness and swelling in the chest, so it is important to seek a professional medical opinion.

Symmastia is a condition where breast tissue merges across the intermammary cleft. It can be a rare congenital anomaly or an occasional side effect of breast augmentation surgery.