> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.snomed.org/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.snomed.org/snomed-international-documents/snomed-ct-glossary/d/descendant.md).

# descendant

## descendant

**This is an abbreviation for subtype descendant.**

## subtype descendant

A concept that is a subtype of a specified concept.

#### Notes

* Includes the subtype children and the subtype children of each subtype child and so on recursively.
* The terms *subtype* and *subtype descendant* are synonymous. However, it is sometime helpful to use the term *subtype descendant* to emphasize inclusion of all *subtypes* not just subtype children.

#### Example

The figure below shows an example hierarchy in which concept *C* has eight *subtype descendants* (F, G, M, N, O, P, U and V).

<figure><img src="/files/4Wet5LYJw5AI2VABeONo" alt=""><figcaption><p>Figure 1: Hierarchy Illustration - Subtype descendants</p></figcaption></figure>

## Alternatives

* **Descendant**

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