The primary component of the plasma membrane, an essential part of all cells, is phospholipids. These phospholipids create a bilayer arrangement, where the hydrophilic heads face outward towards the cell's surroundings and interior, while the hydrophobic tails are nestled in between. This phospholipid bilayer forms the basis of the plasma membrane, acting as a selective barrier that controls the movement of molecules into and out of the cell. Alongside phospholipids, the plasma membrane includes proteins, cholesterol, and carbohydrates that play roles in its structure and functions.
