Medical subject headings (MeSH): tree structure
2004 version 2
24 May 2004
Tree structure
We have described the structure of MEDLINE and Appendix 2 shows the elements of the MeSH tree structure. Here we see the section of the tree for Coronary Disease.
Figure 23: MeSH tree structure for Coronary Disease
The symbols or
show where you can expand or contract the tree. The numbers in brackets after each term show the number of records for that heading. A tick is in the box to the left of Coronary Disease, indicating it is selected.
MEDLINE indexers are instructed always to index at the most specific level possible when dealing with individual articles. When searching it is best to use the most specific word or phrase available as a MeSH heading that describes the subject in which you are interested.
1. Have a look at the terms above and below Coronary Disease in the hierarchy. Are they more appropriate?
2. In this case we will say no, and move on to decide whether to explode and/or focus the term.
Please follow subsequent pages to be taken through the complete process of searching for a MeSH term.
Any questions? Please contact the MEDLINE Plus help desk:
Tel: 020 7383 6224 or 6737
email: info.medline@bma.org.uk
web: http://www.bma.org.uk/medline
Updated 24 May 2004