MedlinePlus.gov provides information that is easy to read about thousands of health topics.
The National Library of Medicine, which is part of the U.S National Institutes of Health (NIH), publishes the website and describes how it reviews and updates content and notes which content is licensed from other organizations.
Information includes Health Topics (short summaries about a wide range of health topics with links to other sources, especially the NIH and other government agencies); Medical Tests A-Z; Genetics (covering genetic conditions, genetic testing and the function of specific genes); Drugs & Supplements A-Z; and a Medical Encyclopedia (covering diseases, tests, symptoms, injuries and surgeries in detail).
Tips for Use:
– The search box on pages of the Encyclopedia is for the entire MedlinePlus.gov website, not just the Encyclopedia. The Encyclopedia does not have its own search box.
– Click Espanol on the upper right for the website in Spanish. Selected health information is available in multiple languages.
Reviewed October 2025