The function of the respiratory system is to facilitate the exchange of gases between the body and the environment. Its primary components include the lungs, trachea, and bronchi. When air is inhaled, oxygen enters the lungs and diffuses into the bloodstream, while carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism, is expelled during exhalation. This system not only supports cellular respiration but also plays a role in regulating blood pH levels and maintaining homeostasis. Proper functioning of the respiratory system is vital for overall health.