What is the predominant hair quality at Tanner stage IV?

At Tanner stage IV, the predominant hair quality is categorized as adult-like hair. During this stage of development, individuals experience significant changes in their secondary sexual characteristics, including the growth of pubic hair. This hair is generally characterized by being coarser and denser than the finer, downy hair seen in earlier stages.

At this point in Tanner staging, the pubic hair has begun to take on the characteristics more closely associated with adults, including an increased amount of hair and a darker color. While it may not be as fully developed or spread as it would be in Tanner stage V, the distinctive transition to what is considered adult-like pubic hair begins in stage IV.

Understanding the developmental phases laid out in Tanner stages is crucial in evaluating and recognizing normal adolescent growth patterns, which greatly aids in clinical assessments and discussions with patients and families regarding puberty and its physical manifestations.