Tanner stages : Simplified with Mnemonics

Breast Development

Mnemonic: ABCDE

1. Stage 1 – Absent development
2. Stage 2 – Breast bud
3. Stage 3 – Common Contour (not separated)
4. Stage 4 – Double mound (contour separated)
5. Stage 5 – End stage development (Adult type)

Male Genitalia Development

Mnemonic: ABCDE

1. Stage 1 – Absent development
2. Stage 2 – Bulky testes and scrotum
3. Stage 3 – Cock lengthens
4. Stage 4 – Darkening of scrotum
5. Stage 5 – End stage development (Adult type)

Pubic Hair Development

Mnemonic: A Small CAT

1. Stage 1 – Absent
2. Stage 2 – Straight
3. Stage 3 – Curling
4. Stage 4 – Adult
5. Stage 5 – Thighs

	Female	Both	Male
Stage	Breast	Pubic Hair	Genitalia
1	Preadolescent	None	Childhood size
2	Breast bud	Sparse, straight	Enlargement of scrotum, testes
3	Areolar diameter enlarges	Darker, curling	Penis grows in length; testes continue to enlarge
4	Secondary mound; separation of contours	Coarse, curly, adult type	Penis grow in length/breadth; scrotum darkens, testes enlarge
5	Mature female	Adult, extends to thigh	Adult shape/size