List of MeSH codes (C23)

List of MeSH Codes (C23) refers to a comprehensive index of the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) that are specifically categorized under the class C23, which encompasses various pathological conditions, signs, and symptoms. MeSH is a highly structured and controlled vocabulary used for indexing articles, cataloging books, and searching for biomedical and health-related information. The C23 category is crucial for researchers, healthcare professionals, and students as it covers a wide range of clinical conditions and syndromes that are essential for diagnosis, research, and education in the medical field.

Overview

The MeSH system is an initiative by the National Library of Medicine (NLM), a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States. It serves as a standardized tool for the purpose of indexing articles for the MEDLINE/PubMed database and for cataloging books and other materials in the health sciences. The C23 category, specifically, is dedicated to conditions that do not fall under the direct purview of a single body system but are critical in the understanding and treatment of various diseases and symptoms.

Structure of MeSH Codes in C23

The C23 category is divided into several subcategories that cover a broad spectrum of conditions. These include, but are not limited to, signs and symptoms, pathological conditions, anatomical, physiological phenomena, and psychiatric and psychological phenomena. Each subcategory is further divided into more specific topics, which are assigned unique MeSH codes. These codes facilitate the easy retrieval and classification of information across various platforms and research documents.

Importance of MeSH Codes in C23

The classification of medical and health-related information under specific MeSH codes, especially within the C23 category, is vital for several reasons:

• Research: It aids researchers in locating relevant studies and literature efficiently, thereby accelerating the pace of scientific discovery.
• Clinical Practice: Healthcare professionals rely on accurately indexed information to find the latest evidence-based practices and recommendations for patient care.
• Education: Medical educators and students use MeSH codes to find educational resources and literature relevant to their curriculum and areas of study.

Examples of MeSH Codes in C23

While a comprehensive list of MeSH codes under the C23 category is beyond the scope of this article, a few examples include:

• C23.550 - Pain: This code encompasses research and literature related to various types of pain, including acute, chronic, neuropathic, and nociceptive pain.
• C23.888 - Signs and Symptoms: This broad category includes literature on general signs and symptoms that are indicative of disease or health conditions.
• C23.300 - Pathological Conditions, Anatomical: This code covers conditions that are characterized by an abnormal anatomical structure or composition.

Conclusion

The List of MeSH Codes (C23) is an essential resource for the biomedical community, facilitating the organization, retrieval, and analysis of vast amounts of health-related information. By providing a structured and comprehensive classification system, MeSH codes play a pivotal role in advancing medical research, education, and clinical practice.