Edit page | Page history | Printable version

Definition

noun

(anatomy) The outermost or superficial layer of an internal organ or body structure, such as kidney or brain.

(osteology) The osseous tissue that forms the outermost layer of bones.

Supplement

Word origin: cortical: L. cortex bark: cf. F. cortical.

Synonym: compact bone, cortical substance, substantia corticalis.
Compare: cancellous bone.
See also: osseous tissue.