Which system is responsible for carrying oxygen and nutrients throughout the body?

The cardiovascular system is responsible for carrying oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. This system comprises the heart, blood vessels, and blood, forming a vast network that ensures that essential substances, such as oxygen from the lungs and nutrients from the digestive tract, reach all cells and tissues. The heart pumps oxygen-rich blood through arteries to maintain proper bodily functions and supports cellular metabolism.

While the respiratory system plays a critical role in acquiring oxygen from the environment, it does not distribute it throughout the body. The nervous system primarily manages signaling and response processes, allowing for communication between different parts of the body but does not transport oxygen or nutrients. The endocrine system is responsible for hormone production and regulation but is not involved in the direct transportation of oxygen and nutrients. Thus, the cardiovascular system is integral for sustaining life by ensuring that these vital elements are efficiently delivered to the cells that require them.