Final answer:
The outer covering of the kidney is known as the renal capsule. It is one of three external layers, with the others being the renal fascia and perirenal fat capsule, and is part of the kidney's complex structure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The outer covering of the kidney is called the renal capsule. The kidney structure encompasses three external layers: the outermost renal fascia, the perirenal fat capsule which anchors the kidneys in place, and the renal capsule. Internally, the kidney consists of three regions: the renal cortex on the outside, the medulla in the middle, and the renal pelvis at the center. The renal cortex contains the nephrons, which are the functional units of the kidney.