Which statement describes Tanner breast stage 5?

Which statement describes Tanner breast stage 5?

• A. Prepubertal - No breast tissue
• B. Breast buds and elevated papilla
• C. Enlargement of breast with areola contour even with breast
• D. Areola matches contour of the breast, papilla stays projected

Answer: (D)

Tanner breast stage 5 describes fully mature development. At this stage the areola blends into the overall contour of the breast, so you don’t see a distinct ring around the nipple anymore—the breast has a single smooth silhouette. The nipple (papilla) remains at the apex and may still project outward from the surface. This combination—areola matching the breast contour and a projecting papilla—best captures the mature breast appearance. The other options reflect earlier stages: no glandular tissue yet, early breast bud development, or enlargement with a distinct areola/secondary mound rather than the integrated contour seen in the final stage.

Tanner breast stage 5 describes fully mature development. At this stage the areola blends into the overall contour of the breast, so you don’t see a distinct ring around the nipple anymore—the breast has a single smooth silhouette. The nipple (papilla) remains at the apex and may still project outward from the surface. This combination—areola matching the breast contour and a projecting papilla—best captures the mature breast appearance. The other options reflect earlier stages: no glandular tissue yet, early breast bud development, or enlargement with a distinct areola/secondary mound rather than the integrated contour seen in the final stage.