What is the primary function of the respiratory system?

The primary function of the respiratory system is to provide oxygen to the body and remove carbon dioxide. This process is essential for cellular respiration, where cells utilize oxygen to produce energy and generate carbon dioxide as a byproduct. The respiratory system facilitates this gas exchange through structures such as the lungs and alveoli, where oxygen from the air is absorbed into the bloodstream, and carbon dioxide is expelled from the blood and exhaled.

While the circulatory system is responsible for circulating blood, and the digestive system handles food breakdown, these systems have distinct functions that do not encompass the role of the respiratory system. Additionally, although the body has mechanisms for regulating temperature, such as sweating or blood flow adjustments, this is not the primary role of the respiratory system. Therefore, the focus on oxygen delivery and carbon dioxide removal highlights the critical function of the respiratory system within overall human physiology.