What is the cell membrane also known as?

The cell membrane is commonly referred to as the plasma membrane. This term emphasizes its role as a boundary that separates the interior of the cell from the external environment. The plasma membrane consists of a phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins, which facilitate communication and transport between the cell and its surroundings.

Other terms serve different functions. The nuclear membrane specifically surrounds the nucleus, protecting the genetic material, while the endoplasmic reticulum is an organelle responsible for synthesis and transport of proteins and lipids. Cytoplasm refers to the gel-like substance inside the cell where various organelles are located, but it does not refer to the cell membrane itself. Therefore, the designation of the cell membrane as the plasma membrane is the most accurate and widely accepted terminology in biological sciences.