What is the main function of the respiratory system?

The main function of the respiratory system is to take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. This gas exchange occurs in the lungs, where oxygen from the air is absorbed into the bloodstream, and carbon dioxide, a waste product of cellular respiration, is expelled from the body. This process is crucial for maintaining the body’s oxygen levels and removing carbon dioxide, which is vital for cellular function and overall metabolic processes.

The respiratory system plays a key role in supporting cellular respiration, allowing cells to produce energy. The oxygen taken in through inhalation is transported by the blood to cells throughout the body, while the carbon dioxide produced as waste is transported back to the lungs for exhalation. This keeps the body's internal environment balanced and supports life.

The other options relate to functions of different systems in the body; for instance, circulation is managed by the cardiovascular system, digestion involves the digestive system, and temperature regulation is primarily the role of the integumentary system and thermoregulatory mechanisms. These distinct roles highlight the specialized functions of different organ systems in maintaining homeostasis, but they do not pertain to the primary function of the respiratory system.