This paper discusses concepts and terminology of some aspects of the autoimmune and rheumatic disorders as related to medical reference work. Details of anatomic, biochemical, and pathologic processes are not discussed. Knowledge of the specific terminology involved in this area may help to ensure a good approach to developing prudent strategies for database searching of the medical literature and, therefore, is reviewed. MeSH thesaurus terms are shown and textword synonyms are presented that provide tools for thorough searching techniques. Commonly used medical jargon as well as older terminology for this area is also explained. Examples of specific search strategies are illustrated.