The cell membrane, also known as the plasma membrane, is the outer covering of animal cells which sits inside the cell wall of plant cells. It is semi-permeable so it allows certain materials to go in and out of the cell. Substances that can pass easily in and out of the cells include oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water. So basically, it is separates the cytoplasm from the outside environment, allowing only certain molecules to enter and exit the cell and also controls the amount of the substances that can go in and out.