rhizoverbBeta
DictionarymedullaInner core
noun

medulla

mih-DUL-uh/mɪdˈʌlʌ/

The inner or central part of an organ or structure.

The kidney section reveals its inner medulla beneath the cortex.

A clearly drawn kidney cut lengthwise to expose its inner medullary pyramids, with a small unlettered pointer identifying one pyramid beneath the distinct outer cortex.
Etymology
medullaLatinmarrow; pith

Latin medulla meant both bone marrow and the pith of plants. These internal substances provide the central image behind its anatomical use for an organ’s inner part.

In context

Institute of Human Anatomy11:38
this darkened inner core of the kidney this region here is called the renal medulla
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More examples

  • The section showed the adrenal medulla.
  • The microscope revealed the hair’s central medulla.
  • The specimen had a clearly defined cortex and medulla.

Forms

medulla · medullas · medullae

Similar words

cortex
The cortex is an outer layer; the medulla is the inner region.
core
Core is the general term for a central part; medulla is an anatomical term for particular inner structures.