Module 3: Exploring MeSH for Expert Searching

The MeSH Database



Because Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) are the standard terms used to describe research literature in MEDLINE and PubMed, expert searchers may wish to:

  • Better understand how each term is used
  • See the term in the MeSH hierarchy
  • View synonyms ("Entry" terms)
  • Explore options for searching

All of this can be done using the MeSH Database, which you can access at the bottom of any PubMed page:

Menu bar at the bottom of PubMed page showing NCBI Literature resources with the MeSH link highlighted


You can also access the MeSH Database from the link for "Search in MeSH" on a PubMed record.

We’ve looked at a few MeSH Database records already, but let’s take time to explore MeSH records more fully.

MeSH terms section of PubMed record showing link to MeSH Database when clicking on term