Module 4—Use of Topical Qualifiers (Subheadings)

Introduction

Module 1
Subject Analysis Principles

• Review Questions

Module 2
Introduction to Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and the MeSH Browser

• Review Questions

Module 3
Selecting the Main Concept

• Review Questions

Module 4
Use of Topical Subheadings in MeSH

• Review Questions

Module 5
Geographic Headings

• Review Questions

Module 6
Publication Types

• Review Questions

Module 7
Names as Subjects

• Review Questions

Module 8
Deconstructed Headings vs. Subject Strings

• Review Questions

Subheading Hierarchies

• Topical subheadings are also arranged in an informal hierarchical structure

• For example, diagnosis is the broad qualifier, narrower qualifiers dealing with diagnosis include pathology, radiography, radionuclide imaging, and ultrasonography

• The subheading hierarchies can be found here.

Rule of Three

• If more than one subheading is needed, repeat the main heading with the appropriate subheading

• Generally, no more than three topical subheadings should be used with any one main heading

• Use the subheading hierarchies to assist in reducing the number of subheadings

• If going up the hierarchy does not help reduce the number of subheadings, use the main heading without any subdivisions

Example

• You have a work discussing the issues related to a deficiency of estrogens and how to analyze how much estrogen is in the blood, cerebrospinal fluid and urine
  • Use 650 _2 $a Estrogens $x metabolism
            NOT
    • 650 _2 $a Estrogens $x deficiency
    • 650 _2 $a Estrogens $x blood
    • 650 _2 $a Estrogens $x cerebrospinal fluid
    • 650 _2 $a Estrogens $x urine

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