Final answer:
The conducting zone of the respiratory system does not perform gas exchange with the blood; this occurs in the respiratory zone. The conducting zone warms, humidifies, and cleans the air, secretes mucus, and protects the lungs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The function of the conducting zone of the respiratory system is NOT exchanging gases between the respiratory system and the blood. This process actually occurs in the respiratory zone, specifically in the alveoli where the respiratory membrane facilitates this gas exchange. The conducting zone's functions include warming and humidifying the air, adjusting the air to body temperature, secreting mucus, and protecting the lungs from inhaled particles, effectively acting as a route for incoming and outgoing air and ensuring that the air reaching the respiratory zone is free from harmful substances and is conditioned to prevent tissue damage.