What is the primary function of the respiratory system?

The primary function of the respiratory system is to facilitate the exchange of gases, specifically oxygen and carbon dioxide, between the body and the environment. This process occurs in the lungs, where oxygen from inhaled air enters the bloodstream and carbon dioxide from the bloodstream is expelled through exhalation. This gas exchange is vital for cellular respiration, which is the process by which cells produce energy.

Oxygen is crucial for the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of cells, while the removal of carbon dioxide helps maintain the body's acid-base balance and prevents potential harm due to elevated levels. Therefore, the respiratory system plays an essential role in ensuring that the body receives the oxygen it needs for metabolic processes and disposes of the waste gas carbon dioxide efficiently.