Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

In which Tanner stage does breast and areola form one mound?

1. Tanner Stage I

2. Tanner Stage II

3. Tanner Stage III

4. Tanner Stage IV

The correct answer is: Tanner Stage III

The correct answer is that in Tanner Stage III, the breast and areola indeed form a single mound. During this stage of breast development, significant changes occur as the breasts begin to grow and the areola expands, but both structures are still not distinctly differentiated. This is a crucial stage in the Montgomery gland development, and it typically occurs between the ages of 12 and 14 years, although there can be variations depending on the individual. Understanding the Tanner stages is important for assessing normal sexual development in adolescents. Each stage marks a physical maturity milestone and helps healthcare providers guide expectations for development and identify any potential concerns. In Tanner Stage II, breast budding occurs where small mounds form, but the areola is still separate from the breast tissue. In Tanner Stage IV, there is further development, and the areola becomes raised, indicating advanced stages of breast development. Hence, Tanner Stage III is the correct identification for when the breast and areola form one mound.