Inframammary fold (IMF), inframammary crease or inframammary line is the feature of human anatomy which is a natural boundary of a breast from below, the place where the breast and the chest meet. The choice of the term depends on the prominence of the feature. It is also sometimes called inframammary ligament. From the cosmetological point of view it is an important aesthetic component of the breast, which should be taken into the consideration during various kinds of breast surgery.
Histologically, it was revealed that the inframammary fold is an intrinsic dermal structure consisting of regular arrays of collagen held in place by a specialized superficial fascial system. The fold is formed by the fusion of the superficial and mammary faciae.
Famous quotes containing the word fold:
“When the inhabitants of some sequestered island first descry the “big canoe” of the European rolling through the blue waters towards their shores, they rush down to the beach in crowds, and with open arms stand ready to embrace the strangers. Fatal embrace! They fold to their bosoms the vipers whose sting is destined to poison all their joys; and the instinctive feeling of love within their breasts is soon converted into the bitterest hate.”
—Herman Melville (1819–1891)