cortex

anatomy the outer layer of any organ or part, such as the grey matter in the brain that covers the cerebrum ( cerebral cortex ) or the outer part of the kidney ( renal cortex )

botany

1. the unspecialized tissue in plant stems and roots between the vascular bundles and the epidermis

2. the outer layer of a part such as the bark of a stem

The outer layer of an organ or body part, such as the cerebrum or the adrenal glands.

The region of tissue lying between the epidermis (the outermost layer) and the vascular tissue in the roots and stems of plants. It is composed of collenchyma, parenchyma, and sclerenchyma. In roots the cortex transfers water and minerals from the epidermis to the vascular tissue, which distributes them to other parts of the plant. The cortex also provides structural support and stores food manufactured in the leaves.

See illustration at xylem