What is the primary function of the lungs?

What is the primary function of the lungs?

• A. To circulate blood
• B. To filter waste products
• C. To facilitate gas exchange
• D. To provide nutrient absorption

Answer: (C)

The primary function of the lungs is to facilitate gas exchange. This process occurs in the alveoli, tiny air sacs within the lungs, where oxygen from the inhaled air passes into the bloodstream while carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism, is released from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled. This efficient exchange is crucial for maintaining the body’s oxygen levels and eliminating carbon dioxide, which is vital for cellular respiration and overall metabolic function. The other functions presented in the options focus on processes that are not directly related to the lungs. For instance, circulating blood is primarily the role of the heart and vascular system, while filtering waste products is a function of the kidneys. Nutrient absorption is primarily the responsibility of the digestive system, particularly the intestines. Thus, while all these systems are interrelated in maintaining homeostasis, the lungs specifically serve the critical role of facilitating gas exchange.

The primary function of the lungs is to facilitate gas exchange. This process occurs in the alveoli, tiny air sacs within the lungs, where oxygen from the inhaled air passes into the bloodstream while carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism, is released from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled. This efficient exchange is crucial for maintaining the body’s oxygen levels and eliminating carbon dioxide, which is vital for cellular respiration and overall metabolic function.

The other functions presented in the options focus on processes that are not directly related to the lungs. For instance, circulating blood is primarily the role of the heart and vascular system, while filtering waste products is a function of the kidneys. Nutrient absorption is primarily the responsibility of the digestive system, particularly the intestines. Thus, while all these systems are interrelated in maintaining homeostasis, the lungs specifically serve the critical role of facilitating gas exchange.