Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) Practice Exam

The key function of the respiratory system is the exchange of gases. This fundamental process involves the intake of oxygen from the atmosphere and the expulsion of carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism, from the body. The respiratory system includes various structures like the lungs, trachea, and alveoli, which facilitate this exchange at the cellular level.

Oxygen is essential for cellular respiration, the process by which cells produce energy, and the removal of carbon dioxide helps maintain acid-base balance in the blood. In essence, this gas exchange process supports overall metabolic functions, making it critical for survival.

Other functions, such as digestion, hormone production, and blood transport, are performed by different systems in the body. The digestive system handles food processing, the endocrine system manages hormone secretion, and the circulatory system is responsible for blood transport.