What does the circulatory system distribute throughout the body?

The circulatory system's primary function is to distribute oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. This process begins when oxygen is inhaled into the lungs, where it diffuses into the bloodstream. The oxygen binds to hemoglobin in red blood cells and is transported away from the lungs to the heart. Once the heart pumps this oxygen-rich blood through the arteries, it reaches various tissues and organs, delivering oxygen that is essential for cellular metabolism and energy production.

This distribution not only supports bodily functions by providing the necessary oxygen but also helps in the removal of carbon dioxide, a waste product produced by cells during metabolism, which is then transported back to the lungs for exhalation.

While waste products are indeed transported by the circulatory system, the primary role highlighted in the question revolves around the distribution of oxygen-rich blood, which is crucial for sustaining life and promoting overall health.