cortex

Definition

The outer layer of an internal organ or body structure, such as the kidney or the brain.

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin cortex (“cork, bark”).

Example Sentences

• "In the study, led by Ryota Kanai of the University College London, people who identified themselves as liberals generally had a larger anterior cingulate cortex — a comma-shaped region near the front of the brain that is involved in decision-making. By contrast, those who identified as conservatives had larger amygdalas — almond-shaped structures that are linked with emotional learning and the processing of fear."