cortex

[kawr-teks]

noun

plural

cortices 

1. Anatomy, Zoology.

   1. the outer region of an organ or structure, as the outer portion of the kidney.

   2. the cerebral cortex.

2. Botany.

   1. the portion of a stem between the epidermis and the vascular tissue; bark.

   2. any outer layer, as rind.

3. Mycology.,  the surface tissue layer of a fungus or lichen, composed of massed hyphal cells.

cortex

/ ˈkɔːtɛks, ˈkɔːtɪkəl /

noun

1. anatomy the outer layer of any organ or part, such as the grey matter in the brain that covers the cerebrum ( cerebral cortex ) or the outer part of the kidney ( renal cortex )

2. botany

   1. the unspecialized tissue in plant stems and roots between the vascular bundles and the epidermis

   2. the outer layer of a part such as the bark of a stem

cortex

1. The outer layer of an organ or body part, such as the cerebrum or the adrenal glands.

2. The region of tissue lying between the epidermis (the outermost layer) and the vascular tissue in the roots and stems of plants. It is composed of collenchyma, parenchyma, and sclerenchyma. In roots the cortex transfers water and minerals from the epidermis to the vascular tissue, which distributes them to other parts of the plant. The cortex also provides structural support and stores food manufactured in the leaves.

3. See illustration at xylem

Other Word Forms

• subcortex noun
• cortical adjective
• cortically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of cortex¹

1650–60; < Latin: bark, rind, shell, husk

Word History and Origins

Origin of cortex¹

C17: from Latin: bark, outer layer

Example Sentences

This digital reconstruction of the entire mouse cortex gives researchers a new way to explore brain function by recreating conditions such as Alzheimer's or epilepsy inside a virtual environment.

Read more on Science Daily

The brain's ability to interpret the visual world does not depend solely on its advanced outer layer, the cortex.

Read more on Science Daily

During the task, the scientists monitored the electrical signals from hundreds of neurons in the prefrontal cortex, the brain region involved in decision-making and complex thought.

Read more on Science Daily

The brain-related markers included a thinner cerebral cortex, white matter changes linked to vascular disease, and reduced or uneven blood flow.

Read more on Science Daily

Several studies have identified decreases in gray matter volume in key regions such as the frontal and temporal cortices and the hippocampus, which play major roles in memory and decision-making.

Read more on Science Daily