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What is the main function of the respiratory system?
Gas exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide
Nutrient absorption
Filtering blood
Secreting hormones
The correct answer is: Gas exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide
The main function of the respiratory system is gas exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. This process occurs in the lungs, where oxygen from the air is transferred into the bloodstream, allowing it to be transported to cells throughout the body for use in metabolic processes. At the same time, carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism, is transferred from the bloodstream into the lungs to be exhaled. This exchange is crucial for maintaining the body's overall homeostasis and ensuring that cells receive the oxygen they need, while also removing the carbon dioxide that can be toxic at high levels. Other options, while important for different body systems, do not pertain to the primary role of the respiratory system. Nutrient absorption is managed by the digestive system, filtering blood is a function of the kidneys, and hormone secretion is primarily performed by the endocrine system. Thus, the respiratory system is specifically specialized for facilitating breathing and gas exchange, which is essential for sustaining life.