Phospholipids are the outermost layers of animal cells. Its structure is composed of fatty acid chains that are attached to a glycerol backbone, and a phosphate group that is modified by an alcohol.
The polar end of the phospholipid plasma membrane is hydrophilic (water-loving or can absorb water) and is a negatively charged phosphate group. In the cell they are facing outward, attracting intracellular and extracellular fluid.
The non-polar tails of the phospholipid are fatty acid chains that are hydrophobic (water-fearing or unable to absorb water). The tails are facing the inside of the cell away from water towards the inner membrane of the cell.
