Step-by-step explanation:
The smooth membrane clinging tightly to the surface of the kidney is called the renal capsule. It is a thin, fibrous layer of tissue that surrounds the entire kidney and provides a protective barrier. The renal capsule helps to maintain the shape of the kidney and prevent damage to the delicate internal structures. It also helps to prevent the spread of infections or tumors to nearby organs by containing them within the kidney. The renal capsule is composed of collagen fibers and contains nerve fibers and blood vessels that supply the kidney with oxygen and nutrients.