What system is characterized by issues like cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath?

The correct choice is the respiratory system, which is directly involved in the processes of breathing and gas exchange. Symptoms such as cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath are hallmark signs of respiratory issues. For instance, a cough may indicate irritation in the airways or a response to an infection, chest pain can be associated with problems in the lungs or pleura, and shortness of breath may suggest that the lungs are not able to deliver enough oxygen to the bloodstream or that there’s an obstruction or inflammatory process occurring in the respiratory tract.

Understanding these symptoms in the context of the respiratory system is essential because they can signify conditions like asthma, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other respiratory infections. Each of these conditions typically presents with the signs noted, as they affect the ability to breathe effectively and maintain proper oxygenation of the body.