What role does the circulatory fluid play in the transport of gases?

The circulatory fluid, primarily blood in mammals, plays a crucial role in transporting gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide throughout the organism. This fluid serves dual functions: it delivers oxygen from the lungs to the cells of the body, which is essential for cellular respiration and energy production. At the same time, it picks up carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism, from the cells and transports it back to the lungs for exhalation.

This transport system is vital for maintaining the metabolic needs of the body’s tissues. By ensuring that oxygen is efficiently delivered and carbon dioxide is removed, the circulatory fluid helps support cellular function and overall homeostasis. Thus, the correct answer highlights the integral role of circulatory fluids in gas exchange and waste removal, which are key components of physiological processes necessary for life.