cortex

/ˌkɔrˈtɛks/

/ˈkɔtɛks/

Other forms: cortices; cortexes

The cortex refers to the outer layer of an organ or structure in the body, like the brain, where it plays a crucial role in processing information and thoughts.

The cortex in any organ helps to protect it and make sure it functions properly. For example, the brain's cerebral cortex is crucial for high-level functions like memory, attention, thought, and consciousness. However, the term isn't exclusive to the brain; the kidney and adrenal glands also have a cortex essential to their operation. In each case, the cortex plays an important role in maintaining the organ’s overall health.

Definitions of cortex

1. noun

   the tissue forming the outer layer of an organ or structure in plants or animals
   antonyms:

   medulla

   the inner part of an organ or structure in plant or animal

   types:

   adrenal cortex

   the cortex of the adrenal gland; secretes corticosterone and sex hormones

   renal cortex

   the cortex of the kidney containing the glomeruli and the convoluted tubules

   type of:

   animal tissue

   the tissue in the bodies of animals

   plant tissue

   the tissue of a plant
2. noun

   the layer of nerve tissue forming the outer layer of the cerebrum
   synonyms: cerebral cortex, cerebral mantle, pallium

   types:

   neocortex, neopallium

   the cortical part of the neencephalon

   archipallium, paleocortex

   the olfactory cortex of the cerebrum

   type of:

   neural structure

   a structure that is part of the nervous system
3. noun

   the tissue that surrounds the center part of the eye's lens
   synonyms: lens cortex

   type of:

   animal tissue

   the tissue in the bodies of animals