1. Cortex:
It is the region between the epidermis and endodermis (if endodermis is not considered as a part of cortex). Morphologically this region consists of primary cells, specially parenchymatous, collenchymatous and sclerenchymatous. The cortex is distinct in dicotyledons but not in monocotyledons where there is no clear demarcation between cortex and pith.
The cortex in roots usually homogenous and made up of one type of cells (parenchymatous), In case of stem the outer few layers of cells may be differentiated into hypodermis. The hypodermis of dicotyledons stems may be collenchymatous, chlorenchymatous or sclerenchymatous whereas that of monocotyledons is usually sclerenchymatous. The hypodermis is mainly considered as the zone of protecting and supporting tissues.