The kidneys receive some protection from the lower part of the rib cage. In addition, three layers of connective tissue enclose, protect, and stabilize the kidneys: 1) the renal capsule that covers the outer surface of the entire organ; 2) the adipose (fatty) tissue that surrounds the capsule; and 3) the renal fascia, which is a layer of dense connective tissue that anchors the kidney to the surrounding structure.