Which body system pumps blood and transports nutrients and wastes?

• A. Nervous system
• B. Circulatory system
• C. Digestive system
• D. Muscular system

Answer: (B)

The circulatory system is responsible for pumping blood and transporting nutrients and wastes throughout the body. The heart acts as a muscular pump that pushes blood into a network of vessels—arteries, veins, and capillaries. Blood carries nutrients absorbed from the digestive system to all body cells, and it collects waste products like carbon dioxide to be removed by the lungs and kidneys. This system works with other body systems, distributing what cells need and clearing what they don’t. While the nervous system handles signaling, the digestive system breaks down food and supplies nutrients, and the muscular system enables movement, none of them by themselves pump blood like the circulatory system does.