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.
Dictionary > Cortical substance