Which body system is responsible for transporting oxygen and nutrients?

The circulatory system is primarily responsible for transporting oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. This system consists of the heart, blood vessels, and blood. The heart pumps oxygenated blood away from itself through the arteries, delivering oxygen and essential nutrients to the body's tissues and organs. Meanwhile, deoxygenated blood returns to the heart through veins, where it can be sent to the lungs for reoxygenation.

While the respiratory system is involved in providing oxygen to the blood and removing carbon dioxide, it does not transport these gases or nutrients throughout the body—this function is carried out by the circulatory system. The nervous system controls responses but does not handle the transportation of nutrients or gases. The digestive system is essential for breaking down food into nutrients but does not transport them; that's the role of the circulatory system after digestion is completed. Thus, the circulatory system plays the critical role of distribution, ensuring that every cell in the body receives the oxygen and nutrients necessary for survival and function.