Which statement describes Tanner pubic hair stage 4 in females?

• A. Prepubertal, no pubic hair
• B. Sparse straight hair on lateral vulva
• C. Darker, coarser, curlier hair over mid-pubis
• D. Adult-like appearance but does not extend to thighs

Answer: (D)

Pubic hair staging tracks how hair grows and spreads during puberty. As puberty progresses, hair becomes darker, coarser, and more widespread. In stage four, the hair is adult-like in appearance—texture and density resemble that seen in adults—but its distribution is still limited to the pubic region and does not extend to the thighs. This distinguishes it from stage five, where the hair extends to the medial thighs. The other descriptions fit earlier stages: prepubertal with no hair; sparse hair along the labia; and darker, coarser curling hair over the mid-pubis.