The respiratory system meets the ongoing needs of the body for which two elements to facilitate exchange?

The respiratory system is primarily responsible for the exchange of gases that are vital for cellular metabolism. Oxygen is essential for the process of aerobic respiration, which occurs in the mitochondria of cells and produces ATP, the energy currency of the body. Carbon dioxide is a byproduct of this metabolic process. The respiratory system facilitates the intake of oxygen from the environment and the expulsion of carbon dioxide, thus maintaining the crucial balance of these gases in the bloodstream.

While hydrogen and nitrogen serve important roles in various chemical processes within the body, they are not the primary focus of gas exchange in the respiratory system. Carbon monoxide is a harmful gas that can interfere with oxygen transport in the blood, and nutrients and waste products are typically managed by the digestive and excretory systems rather than through gas exchange in the lungs. Therefore, the correct pairing of oxygen and carbon dioxide reflects the central function of the respiratory system in supporting life through efficient gas exchange.