Cortex

Cortex, literally 'bark' in Latin, is a term in anatomy for outer layer of an organ or tissue, such as the cerebral cortex, renal cortex. It is also a term in botany for outer layer of a tissue immediately below the epidermis of a stem or a root.

The brain's cortex is the outer layer of the cerebrum, also called the cerebral cortex. It is composed of folded gray matter. It plays an important role in consciousness.

An outer layer of another organ or body part is also called cortex, such as kidney or the renal cortex, the cerebellum, or a hair.