Which two gases are involved in the respiratory system's gas exchange?

The process of gas exchange in the respiratory system primarily involves oxygen and carbon dioxide. During inhalation, oxygen from the air enters the lungs and diffuses into the bloodstream, where it is then transported to cells throughout the body for cellular respiration. In return, carbon dioxide, a byproduct of metabolism, moves from the blood into the alveoli in the lungs, where it is expelled from the body during exhalation. This exchange is essential for maintaining the body’s acid-base balance and ensuring that cells receive the oxygen they need for energy production while removing the waste product carbon dioxide. The other combinations listed do not accurately represent the primary gases involved in this critical respiratory function.