Which of the following is NOT a purpose of the respiratory system?

The respiratory system serves several essential functions primarily related to the process of breathing and gas exchange. Inhaling oxygen and removing carbon dioxide are critical functions that highlight the system's role in maintaining homeostasis and providing the body with necessary gases for cellular respiration. Facilitating gas exchange occurs in the alveoli of the lungs, where oxygen enters the bloodstream, and carbon dioxide is expelled.

Producing hormones is not a function of the respiratory system; instead, this role is primarily associated with the endocrine system. While certain respiratory-related factors might influence hormone levels indirectly, such as oxygen levels affecting the release of erythropoietin from the kidneys, the respiratory system itself does not produce hormones. This clarification underscores why the purpose mentioned in the chosen response is not aligned with the primary functions of the respiratory system.