Introduction to MeSH - 2008

The following is an introduction to the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) thesaurus, including its use and structure, as well as recent updates and availability of data. For simplest access to MeSH we suggest the MeSH Browser, an interactive Web application for searching and browsing MeSH data.

1. Preface

• Prefatory Remarks
• History of MeSH
• MeSH Organizing Principles

2. Structure of MeSH

• Record Types
• Entry Vocabulary
• Tree Structures; 2008 Trees
• Data Elements in MeSH records
  • XML format
  • ASCII format: Descriptors, Qualifiers, SCRs.
  • Conversion table listing ASCII MeSH and ELHILL MeSH elements with the corresponding element in XML MeSH.

See also Relationships in Medical Subject Headings.

• Concept Structure in MeSH.

3. Use of MeSH

• Use of MeSH in Online Retrieval
• Use of MeSH by Indexers
• Use Of Medical Subject Headings For Cataloging

4. MeSH Vocabulary Changes for 2008

• About MeSH Changes
• Lists of Data Changed
  • New Descriptors - 2008
  • Changed Descriptors - 2008
  • Deleted Descriptors - 2008
  • New Descriptors by Tree Subcategory - 2008

5. Availability of MeSH Data

• Interactively: The MeSH Browser
  • About The MeSH Browser
• Downloading MeSH Data
• Printed MeSH
• Bibliography used in MeSH maintenance.

Last updated: 01 November 2007
First published: 08 October 2007
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