Medical Terminology for the Area Under the Male Breast
The medical term for the fold under the breast is the "inframammary fold" (IMF), which applies to both male and female anatomy. 1
Anatomical Definition
The inframammary fold represents a specific anatomical structure with the following characteristics:
The IMF corresponds to a division of the superficial fascia (fascia superficialis), containing numerous fibrous connections stretched between the superficial fascia and the prepectoral fascia. 2
Histologically, bundles of collagen fibers arising from the superficial fascial layer insert into the dermis at the inframammary fold level, creating the visible crease. 3
The fold is located where the lower border of the breast meets the chest wall, typically at the level of the fifth to sixth rib. 1
Clinical Relevance in Males
When examining the male breast region, the inframammary fold serves as an important anatomical landmark:
During clinical breast examination in males, the perimeter of breast tissue examination extends down the midaxillary line, across the inframammary ridge at the fifth/sixth rib level. 1
In males with gynecomastia, the inframammary fold remains an important landmark for defining the extent of glandular tissue versus adipose tissue (pseudogynecomastia). 4, 5
Common Terminology Pitfalls
The inframammary fold is sometimes incorrectly referred to as simply the "breast crease" or "submammary fold," but "inframammary fold" is the precise medical terminology used in clinical practice and medical literature. 6, 7, 8
The IMF should not be confused with the inframammary ridge, which refers to the bony landmark (fifth/sixth rib) rather than the soft tissue fold itself. 1