What body system is responsible for gas exchange and breathing?

The respiratory system is specifically designed for gas exchange and breathing. It includes vital organs such as the lungs, trachea, and bronchi that work together to facilitate the intake of oxygen and the expulsion of carbon dioxide from the body. When you breathe in, oxygen from the air enters the lungs where it diffuses into the bloodstream and is transported to cells throughout the body. Simultaneously, carbon dioxide produced by cellular metabolism is transferred from the blood into the lungs to be exhaled. This essential process not only helps maintain the body's oxygen levels but also plays a critical role in regulating pH balance, making the respiratory system crucial for sustaining life and health.

In contrast, other systems such as the circulatory system are responsible for the movement of blood and nutrients, the nervous system controls body functions and responses to stimuli, and the muscular system facilitates movement, all of which are important but not directly responsible for the process of gas exchange and breathing.