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The respiratory system is primarily responsible for gas exchange in the body because it facilitates the intake of oxygen and the removal of carbon dioxide. This occurs primarily in the alveoli, the tiny air sacs within the lungs where oxygen from the inhaled air diffuses into the bloodstream, and carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism, is transferred from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled.

The design of the respiratory system, which includes structures such as the trachea, bronchi, lungs, and alveoli, is specifically adapted to ensure efficient gas exchange. The large surface area of the alveoli, combined with their thin walls and extensive capillary network, allows for rapid diffusion of gases.

Other systems listed, such as the nervous, lymphatic, and muscular systems, play important roles in the body but are not directly involved in the process of gas exchange. The nervous system regulates breathing rates and responses to changing oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, the lymphatic system is involved in fluid balance and immune responses, and the muscular system facilitates movement and body posture but does not handle respiration directly. Thus, the respiratory system is uniquely specialized for gas exchange and is essential for maintaining adequate oxygen levels and removing carbon dioxide from the body.