What system is responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide?

The correct system responsible for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the body is the circulatory system. This system comprises the heart, blood vessels, and blood, which work together to circulate blood and deliver essential nutrients, hormones, and gases to cells while removing waste products.

While the respiratory system plays a vital role in the exchange of gases—specifically facilitating the intake of oxygen and the expulsion of carbon dioxide during breathing—it does not transport these gases throughout the body. Instead, the respiratory system works closely with the circulatory system, where oxygen from the lungs enters the bloodstream and is carried to tissues, while carbon dioxide produced by cellular metabolism is returned to the lungs for exhalation.

The endocrine and nervous systems have different primary functions and do not directly engage in gas transport. The endocrine system regulates bodily functions through hormones, and the nervous system is responsible for transmitting signals throughout the body to coordinate activities. Hence, while all systems collaborate for overall body function, the circulatory system is specifically tasked with the transport of gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide.