The respiratory system is composed of the mouth, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli in the lungs. The primary function of the system is to bring air to the alveoli, where it can interact with blood in nearby capillaries. Oxygen diffuses into the blood from the alveoli, while carbon dioxide is transferred out of the blood, in a process known as gas exchange.

While the respiratory system is responsible for re-oxygenating blood, it is the circulatory system that actually delivers the oxygen to the tissues of the body. The immune system battles foreign pathogens, and the excretory system maintains fluid balance.

The alveoli are small vessels which increase the surface area available for gas exchange into and out of blood. Oxygen diffuses into the blood while carbon dioxide diffuses out of the blood. These vessels have no control over how much blood is present in the lungs. Also, while these vessels do keep certain things out of the bloodstream, their purpose is not to filter particles. The main filter for our lungs is the mucus coating over the tissues and in our mouth and nose.

The respiratory system is responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide gases between the body and its external environment. The respiratory organs—the lungs—contain alveoli, where gas exchange occurs in concordance with expiration and inspiration, or breathing.

The other choices refer to other organ systems—namely the circulatory, immune, and excretory systems—which should not be confused with the respiratory system.

The larynx, or voice box, contains the vocal cords, which are the source of sound production. The pharynx, or throat, has a dual role in respiration and digestion. The pharynx receives air from the nasal cavity and food and drink from the oral cavity. The trachea, or windpipe, is a rigid tube that transports air from the larynx to the bronchi. The bronchi in turn transport air into the lungs. The alveoli are thin-walled sacs where the exchange of gasses between the lungs and the blood occurs.

The diaphragm separates the thoracic cavity from the abdominal cavity. When it contracts, it flattens downward and permits the lungs to expand, promoting inhalation. When it relaxes, it rises and compresses the lungs, promoting exhalation. The internal oblique muscle fibers are directed upward from the iliac crest (hip bone) to the lower ribs. The masseter muscle is involved in chewing. The deltoid is a large triangular muscle that covers the shoulder joint. The vastus lateralis extends the leg and is located in the anterior thigh.

Hiccups are reflex spasms of the diaphragm, causing an involuntary inhalation followed by a sudden closure of the glottis that produces an audible sound, the "hic." Snoring is the sound produced while breathing through the mouth during sleep. Sneezing is caused by irritants in the nasal cavity. The glottis stays open while the tongue and soft palate block the flow of air from getting out. Then they suddenly release to let air burst through the nose. Coughing is triggered by irritants in the respiratory tract. High pressure forms in the lower respiratory tract when the glottis closes and muscles contract. The glottis then suddenly opens to release an explosive blast of air. Anxiety may trigger an increase in respiration, hyperventilation, which results in lowered carbon dioxide levels.

The respitory system transports oxygen to the blood, removes CO₂ from the blood, regulates blood acidity, and helps to regulate body temperature. It is the endocrine system that secretes hormones into the blood.

The respiratory system is responsible for moving air into and out of the lungs, where gas exchange occurs between the alveoli and the pulmonary capillaries. The lungs exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide via alveoli and networks of small blood vessels known as capillaries. Production of gametes is a function of the reproductive system. Movement of blood and nutrients throughout the body is the primary function of the circulatory system. Movement and coordination is controlled by the nervous system and requires the structures of the muscular and skeletal systems.

Tidal volume is nominally and conceptually similar to an ocean tide. Under calm conditions, a tide is not particularly extreme at either its low or high points. During normal, relaxed respiration, an animal breathes in and out moderate volumes of air, creating its tidal volume.