At what Tanner stage is minimal straight pubic hair observed in females?

In females, Tanner stages are used to assess the physical development during puberty, particularly the development of secondary sexual characteristics. In Tanner stage 2, there is the onset of pubic hair development, which is characterized by the appearance of sparse, straight hairs that typically begin to grow along the labia. This is in contrast to Tanner stage 1, where there is no pubic hair present at all, and stages 3 and 4, where pubic hair becomes more abundant and coarser in texture.

At Tanner stage 2, the initial hormonal changes signal the beginning of this process, reflecting the early stages of puberty. The presence of minimal straight pubic hair at this stage is an important marker for clinicians and educators who assess normal sexual maturation. Understanding these stages aids in identifying whether a child's development is proceeding normally or if there are concerns that may need evaluation.