Which of the following is a function of the respiratory system?

The respiratory system has several critical functions that contribute to the overall physiology of the body, and all of the listed options highlight important roles it plays.

Supplying oxygen to the body is essential for cellular respiration, a process in which cells utilize oxygen to produce energy. The lungs facilitate the exchange of oxygen from the air we breathe into the blood, where it is then transported to tissues throughout the body.

Eliminating carbon dioxide is another vital function of the respiratory system. During cellular respiration, carbon dioxide is produced as a waste product, and the respiratory system is responsible for expelling this gas from the body. This exchange occurs in the alveoli of the lungs, where carbon dioxide is transferred from the blood into the air to be exhaled.

Regulating the body's pH balance is also a crucial function of the respiratory system. The balance of carbon dioxide in the blood directly influences pH levels. When carbon dioxide levels rise, it forms carbonic acid, which can lower pH, making the blood more acidic. Conversely, when carbon dioxide is removed from the body during respiration, the blood becomes less acidic, helping to maintain an optimal pH range.

Since all these functions—oxygen supply, carbon dioxide elimination, and pH regulation