What is the primary function of the respiratory system?

The primary function of the respiratory system is to bring oxygen into the body and remove carbon dioxide. This process is essential for maintaining cellular respiration, where oxygen is used by cells to produce energy in the form of ATP, and carbon dioxide, a byproduct of this process, needs to be expelled from the body to maintain proper pH levels and prevent toxicity.

The respiratory system includes structures such as the nose, trachea, bronchi, and lungs, which facilitate the intake of air rich in oxygen and the expulsion of air containing carbon dioxide. The efficiency of this gas exchange occurs in the alveoli, tiny air sacs within the lungs, where oxygen permeates the blood while carbon dioxide is removed. This dual role of delivering oxygen for use in metabolic processes and removing carbon dioxide is critical for survival and overall health.

Other options provided detail functions associated with different body systems. Cleansing the blood of wastes pertains to the functions of the kidneys in the urinary system. The transportation of oxygen and nutrients is more accurately associated with the circulatory system. The breakdown of food for nutrient absorption is a primary function of the digestive system. Each of these systems plays a vital role in the overall functioning of the body, but the core responsibility of the respiratory system specifically