Which system is responsible for transporting nutrients, gases, and waste throughout the body?

The cardiovascular system is responsible for transporting nutrients, gases, and waste throughout the body. This system consists of the heart, blood, and blood vessels, providing a complex network that enables circulation. The heart pumps oxygen-rich blood from the lungs and delivers it to tissues and organs, supplying them with essential nutrients and oxygen. Additionally, the blood collects carbon dioxide and other metabolic waste products from cells and transports them to the lungs and kidneys for elimination. This continuous cycle is crucial for maintaining homeostasis and ensuring that all body systems function effectively.

In contrast, the nervous system primarily controls and coordinates body activities by transmitting signals between different parts of the body. The endocrine system regulates long-term processes like growth and metabolism through hormones but does not function in the transportation of materials. The integumentary system, which includes the skin, hair, and nails, serves as a barrier and plays roles in protection and sensation, but it is not involved in the transportation of nutrients or waste products.