What is a role of the trachea in the respiratory system?

The trachea plays a vital role in the respiratory system, primarily serving as a passage for air to travel to and from the lungs. Among its essential functions, it is responsible for warming and moistening the air that enters the respiratory tract. This is crucial because air that is too cold or dry can irritate the lungs and other tissues.

In addition to warming and moistening the air, the trachea also functions to filter particles from the air. It has a mucous membrane lined with cilia that helps trap dust, pathogens, and other debris, ensuring that cleaner air reaches the lungs. This filtration mechanism is vital for maintaining respiratory health and preventing infections.

Therefore, both warming and moistening the air, as well as filtering particles, are important functions of the trachea, making the combined answer encompassing both these roles the most comprehensive choice.