What organs are responsible for gaseous exchange in the body?

The lungs play a crucial role in the process of gaseous exchange within the body. This exchange primarily occurs in the alveoli, which are tiny air sacs located at the end of the respiratory bronchioles. Inhalation brings oxygen-rich air into the lungs, where oxygen diffuses across the alveolar membrane into the bloodstream. Simultaneously, carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism, diffuses from the blood into the alveoli to be exhaled. This dual exchange of gases is vital for maintaining proper oxygen levels in the blood and removing carbon dioxide, which is essential for the body's overall metabolic processes.

In contrast, other organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys are not involved in the primary process of gaseous exchange. The heart is primarily responsible for pumping blood throughout the body, the liver plays a key role in metabolism and detoxification, and the kidneys are responsible for filtering blood and producing urine. Hence, the lungs specifically facilitate the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, confirming their essential role in respiratory physiology.