Which structure humidifies, filters, and warms the air before it enters the lungs?

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The nasal cavity is responsible for humidifying, filtering, and warming the air as it enters the respiratory system. Its internal structures include ciliated epithelial cells and mucus-producing glands, which help trap dust, pathogens, and other particles in the air, preventing them from reaching the lungs.

Additionally, the nasal cavity has a rich blood supply, allowing it to effectively warm the incoming air to body temperature, making it more suitable for the lungs to process. The humidity aspect is also crucial since inhaling dry air can irritate and damage lung tissue.

While the larynx is primarily involved in sound production and protecting the airway during swallowing, the trachea serves as the main airway but has a more limited role in conditioning air compared to the nasal cavity. The pharynx is a shared passageway for both air and food but does not significantly impact the conditioning of air as it travels to the lungs. Thus, the nasal cavity is the primary structure ensuring that the air is appropriately filtered, warmed, and humidified before it reaches the lungs.

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