Final answer:
The respiratory system is responsible for the exchange of gases between the circulating blood and the air, with the lungs playing a key role. The cardiovascular system assists in transporting these gases to and from body cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
The respiratory system is responsible for facilitating gas exchange between the air and circulating blood. Specifically, the process begins as air is warmed and humidified in the nasal cavity. It then travels through the pharynx and larynx, down the trachea, and into the lungs. In the lungs, air continues through the bronchi, bronchioles, and finally reaches the respiratory bronchioles. The exchange of gases occurs in the alveoli where there is a vast network of these tiny air sacs, which provides a large surface area for this process.
The cardiovascular system plays a crucial role in carrying the oxygen absorbed by the blood in the lungs through a network of blood vessels to cells all over the body, and then transporting carbon dioxide from the cells back to the lungs for expulsion. This partnership between the respiratory and cardiovascular systems is essential for maintaining homeostasis in the body. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is: A) respiratory system.
The respiratory system allows for gas exchange between the air and circulating blood. When we breathe in, air enters our nasal cavity and travels through the pharynx, larynx, trachea, and into our lungs. In the lungs, the air reaches the alveoli, which are tiny air sacs where gas exchange occurs. Here, oxygen from the air diffuses into the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide, a waste product, diffuses out of the bloodstream and into the air in the alveoli.