Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

cortex
The outer layer of any organ.
cortex, cerebral
The gray outer portion of the
largest part of the brain, the cerebrum. Because it
has thousands of complex folds, the cerebral cortex
has a much larger surface area than one might
think. Specific areas of the cerebral cortex govern
sensory perception, voluntary response to stimuli,
thought, memory, and the unique human capability
of consciousness. The white matter of the brain lies
within the cerebral cortex, and it carries instruc-
tions arising within the cortex to all other parts of
the brain and body through an intricate network of
nerve fibers.
cortical
Having to do with the cortex, the outer
layer of an organ.
cortical desmoid tumor
See 
desmoids tumor,
cortical.
corticosteroid
Any of the steroid hormones
made by the outer portion (cortex) of the adrenal
gland. There are two sets of these hormones: the
glucocorticoids, which are produced in reaction to
stress and also help in the metabolism of fats, car-
bohydrates, and proteins; and the mineralocorti-
coids, which regulate the balance of salt and water
within the body.
cortisol
A metabolite of the primary stress hor-
mone cortisone. Cortisol is an essential factor in the
proper metabolism of starches, and it is the major
natural glucocorticoid (GC) in humans.
cortisone
A naturally occurring adrenocorticoid
hormone that is produced in minute amounts by the
adrenal gland. Synthetic cortisone is also available;
it is metabolized by the body into cortisol. Uses for
synthetic oral, intramuscular, and intravenous corti-
sone medications include treatment of adrenocorti-
cal deficiency and treatment of conditions
associated with inflammation. A popular topical
form is known as hydrocortisone cream.