FAU Advanced Health Assessment Practice Test

What Tanner Stage is characterized by further enlargement of the breast and areola with no separation of contours?

1. Stage 1

2. Stage 2

3. Stage 3

4. Stage 4

The correct answer is: Stage 3

The Tanner stages represent a well-established system for categorizing the physical development of children, particularly regarding sexual maturation. When considering breast development in females, Stage 3 is marked by further enlargement of the breast and areola. At this stage, the contour of the breast and areola remains smooth and is not yet distinctly separated, which is a key characteristic of this developmental phase. The breast volume increases, and the areola expands, but the overall shape has not transitioned to the defined contours seen in Stage 4 or beyond. In contrast, earlier stages, such as Stage 2, show initial breast development with smaller, more bud-like formations, and Stage 4 involves further development where the contours begin to separate. Going into Stage 5, mature breast forms are fully developed with the areola reverting to a more flattened form relative to the breast itself. Thus, Stage 3 accurately describes the specific changes happening in breast development before separation of the contours occurs.