Which organ system is responsible for transporting nutrients, gases, and wastes?

The circulatory system is responsible for the transportation of nutrients, gases, and wastes throughout the body. This system includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood, which work together to circulate oxygen-rich blood from the lungs to the body's tissues and organs, while also collecting carbon dioxide and other metabolic wastes to transport back to the lungs and kidneys for removal.

Nutrients absorbed from the digestive system enter the bloodstream and are distributed to cells. At the same time, the circulatory system facilitates the delivery of oxygen to cells and the removal of carbon dioxide, a waste product of cellular metabolism. It also plays a critical role in distributing hormones and other signaling molecules throughout the body.

While the digestive system is essential for breaking down food and absorbing nutrients, including sugars, fats, and proteins, it does not play a direct role in transportation after absorption. The respiratory system, on the other hand, primarily facilitates gas exchange, bringing oxygen into the body and expelling carbon dioxide. Meanwhile, the nervous system is crucial for communication within the body but does not transport nutrients or wastes. Thus, the circulatory system is the primary network responsible for the transport functions mentioned in the question.