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Cortex (anatomy)

In anatomy and zoology, the cortex (pl.: cortices) is the outermost (or superficial) layer of an organ. Organs with well-defined cortical layers include kidneys, adrenal glands, ovaries, the thymus, and portions of the brain, including the cerebral cortex, the best-known of all cortices.[1]

Etymology[edit]

The word is of Latin origin and means bark, rind, shell or husk.

The , between the renal capsule and the renal medulla; assists in ultrafiltration

renal cortex

The , situated along the perimeter of the adrenal gland; mediates the stress response through the production of various hormones

adrenal cortex

The , mainly composed of lymphocytes; functions as a site for somatic recombination of T cell receptors, and positive selection

thymic cortex

The , the outer layer of the cerebrum, plays a key role in memory, attention, perceptual awareness, thought, language, and consciousness.

cerebral cortex

is the hard outer layer of bone; distinct from the spongy, inner cancellous bone tissue[2]

Cortical bone

is the outer layer of the ovary and contains the follicles.

Ovarian cortex

The is the outer layer of the lymph node.

lymph node cortex