Final answer:
The kidney is protected by a white fibrous tissue called the renal capsule, which is the innermost layer of the three surrounding layers. The other two layers are the perineal fat capsule and the renal fascia.
Step-by-step explanation:
Kidney Anatomy and Structure
The kidneys are vital organs that perform the essential function of filtering waste from the blood and expelling it from the body as urine. Each kidney is encased in a protective layer known as the renal capsule, which is a white fibrous tissue that helps maintain the shape of the kidney and offers protection.
This capsule is the most internal of the three layers surrounding the kidney, with the perineal fat capsule lying in the middle offering cushioning and insulation, and the renal fascia being the outermost layer that anchors the kidneys in place.
The renal cortex, medulla, and renal pelvis are the internal regions of the kidney, which are integral to its function, with the cortex containing the nephrons, the functional units responsible for filtering blood.