Final answer:
The nasal cavity is a large, air-filled space in the skull that warms, humidifies, and filters inhaled air while also housing chemoreceptors for smell and taste.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nasal cavity is a large, air-filled space in the skull that acts as a continuation of the nostrils. Its main function is to warm and humidify inhaled air as it flows through, making it more suitable for the respiratory system. The nasal cavity also contains hairs that help trap larger foreign particles in the air, preventing them from entering deeper into the respiratory tract. Additionally, the nasal cavity houses chemoreceptors responsible for the sense of smell and contributing to the sense of taste.