What is one role of the digestive system?

The role of the digestive system is primarily to process food and absorb nutrients. This system is essential for breaking down the food that we consume into smaller, absorbable components, such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Through a series of processes that include mechanical and chemical digestion, the digestive system transforms food into a form that can be utilized by the body for energy, growth, and cellular repair.

After food is broken down in the stomach and intestines, nutrients are absorbed through the walls of these organs into the bloodstream, which then transports them throughout the body. This crucial function not only sustains bodily functions but also helps maintain overall health and wellness.

In comparison, the other options refer to functions carried out by different systems in the body, such as the circulatory system or respiratory system, and do not accurately describe the primary role of the digestive system.