Which organ system is primarily responsible for transporting nutrients and oxygen to cells?

The circulatory system is primarily responsible for transporting nutrients and oxygen to cells throughout the body. This system comprises the heart, blood, and blood vessels, which work together to circulate blood. The heart pumps oxygenated blood from the lungs and nutrients absorbed from the digestive system into the bloodstream, delivering them to various cells. Additionally, the circulatory system is essential for removing waste products such as carbon dioxide from the cells, ensuring that cellular processes function efficiently.

In contrast, the nervous system primarily links sensory information with appropriate responses and does not directly transport nutrients or oxygen. The respiratory system is involved in gas exchange, bringing oxygen into the body and expelling carbon dioxide, but it relies on the circulatory system to transport the oxygen to cells. The digestive system breaks down food and absorbs nutrients but does not transport those nutrients. Thus, the circulatory system is the correct choice, as it has the primary role of distribution throughout the body.