Which system is primarily responsible for the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body?

The circulatory system is primarily responsible for the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body. This system consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood, which work together to deliver oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and carry carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs for exhalation.

Oxygen is absorbed in the lungs through the alveoli and then binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells. These oxygen-rich red blood cells are then circulated throughout the body, delivering oxygen to the cells for cellular respiration, which is essential for energy production. Simultaneously, carbon dioxide, a metabolic waste product produced by cells, is transported from the tissues back to the lungs through the bloodstream. In the lungs, carbon dioxide is released from the blood and exhaled.

The other systems mentioned do not play a direct role in the transport of these gases. The nervous system is primarily involved in signaling and communication throughout the body, the muscular system is responsible for movement and support, and the endocrine system regulates various physiological processes through hormones but does not transport gases directly. Thus, the circulatory system’s unique structure and function make it essential for the effective transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide, confirming it as the correct answer.