cortex

[kor´teks] (pl. cor´tices) (L.)

the outer layer of an organ or other structure, as distinguished from its inner substance or medulla. adj., adj cor´tical.

adrenal cortex (cortex of adrenal gland) the outer, firm layer comprising the larger part of the adrenal gland; it secretes mineralocorticoids, androgens, and glucocorticoids.

cerebellar cortex the superficial gray matter of the cerebellum.

cerebral cortex (cortex cerebra´lis) the convoluted layer of gray matter covering each cerebral hemisphere. See also brain.

renal cortex the granular outer layer of the kidney, composed mainly of glomeruli and convoluted tubules, extending in columns between the pyramids that constitute the renal medulla.

striate cortex part of the occipital lobe that receives the fibers of the optic radiation and serves as the primary receiving area for vision. Called also first visual area.

visual cortex the area of the occipital lobe of the cerebral cortex concerned with vision; the striate cortex is also called the first visual area, and the adjacent second and third visual areas serve as its association areas.

cer·e·bel·lar cor·tex

the thin gray surface layer of the cerebellum, consisting of an outer molecular layer or stratum moleculare [TA], a single layer of Purkinje cells (the Purkinje cell layer [TA] or stratum purkinjense [TA]), and an inner granular layer or stratum granulosum [TA].

Synonym(s): cortex cerebelli [TA]

cer·e·bel·lar cor·tex

(ser-ĕ-bel'ăr kōr'teks)

The thin gray surface layer of the cerebellum, consisting of an outer molecular layer or stratum moleculare, a single layer of Purkinje cells (the ganglionic layer), and an inner granular layer or stratum granulosum.