[en-doh-dur-mis] 
| a specialized tissue in the roots and stems of vascular plants, composed of a single layer of modified parenchyma cells forming the inner boundary of the cortex. |
| endodermis (ěn'də-dûr'mĭs) Pronunciation Key
The innermost layer of the cortex that forms a sheath around the vascular tissue of roots and some stems. In the roots the endodermis helps regulate the intake of water and minerals into the vascular tissues from the cortex. |
doʊˈdɜr