The function of the respiratory system in animals is to facilitate the exchange of gases, primarily oxygen and carbon dioxide. This system includes structures such as the lungs, trachea, and diaphragm. Through the process of respiration, oxygen is inhaled and transported to the bloodstream, where it is delivered to cells for cellular respiration. Simultaneously, carbon dioxide, a waste product of this metabolic process, is expelled from the body during exhalation. Efficient gas exchange is essential for maintaining cellular metabolism and overall health.