Structure/Morphology
A thin fibrous capsule composed of collagen rich tissue with some elastic and smooth muscle fibers encloses each kidney. Each fibrous capsule is surrounded by renal fascia and a layer of perirenal fat, known as the adipose capsule of the kidney.
Related parts of the anatomy
Function
The tough fibrous capsule of the kidney helps to protect the kidney from injury and supports the kidney mass. Additionally, it plays a role in restricting volume changes of the kidney in response to increases in blood pressure (Pocock, Richards and Richards, 2013).
References
Pocock, G., Richards, C. D. & Richards, D. A. (2013) Human Physiology, 4 edition. OUP Oxford.
