Question 8

To transport oxygen and carbon dioxide

The primary function of the respiratory system is to transport oxygen into the body and facilitate the removal of carbon dioxide. This gas exchange is critical for maintaining cellular respiration and overall metabolic processes.

A) To digest food

This option is incorrect as the digestive system, not the respiratory system, is responsible for processing food. The respiratory system's function does not involve the digestion of food but rather focuses on gas exchange.

B) To control body movement

This choice is also incorrect. The control of body movement is primarily managed by the muscular and nervous systems. The respiratory system does not play a direct role in regulating movement.

C) To transport oxygen and carbon dioxide

This option is correct as it accurately describes the primary function of the respiratory system. It highlights the system's role in facilitating the intake of oxygen and the expulsion of carbon dioxide, which is essential for sustaining life.

D) To circulate blood

This option is incorrect because blood circulation is the function of the circulatory system, not the respiratory system. While the respiratory system interacts with the circulatory system through gas exchange, its primary role does not include blood circulation.

Conclusion

The correct answer, C, effectively captures the essential role of the respiratory system in gas exchange, a fundamental process for life. In contrast, options A, B, and D misattribute functions to the respiratory system that belong to other biological systems, thereby underscoring the importance of understanding the distinct roles each system plays in human physiology.