Tanner Staging
Five-stage scale describing physical sexual maturation during puberty, based on breast and pubic hair development in girls and genital and pubic hair development in boys.
Also: SMR, Sexual Maturity Rating
Stage 1 is prepubertal; Stage 5 is adult morphology. SMR correlates with biological age better than chronological age, making it important for interpreting pediatric growth, nutrient needs (especially iron, calcium, protein), and screening for delayed or precocious puberty.
How one textbook covers it
Krause and Mahan's Food and the Nutrition Care Process, 16th ed. — Chapter 17
Stage 1 is prepubertal; Stage 5 is adult morphology. SMR correlates with biological age better than chronological age, making it important for interpreting pediatric growth, nutrient needs (especially iron, calcium, protein), and screening for delayed or precocious puberty.
Related terms
Growth Charts, Menarche, Puberty