Final answer:
The nasal cavity, specifically the conchae within it, warms and removes impurities from inhaled air. The epiglottis also helps by deflecting impurities from the trachea to the esophagus.
Step-by-step explanation:
The structures of the respiratory system that warm and remove impurities from inhaled air are part of the nasal cavity. The nasal passages contain the conchae and meatuses, which increase the surface area for better warming and humidification of incoming air, also aiding in filtering out debris and pathogens.
The epiglottis helps in deflecting impurities away from the trachea and into the esophagus. On the other hand, structures such as bronchioles and alveoli are primarily involved in the passage of air and gas exchange rather than warming and cleaning the inhaled air.
The nasal cavity functions to humidify, warm, filter, and act as a conduit for inspired air, as well as protect the respiratory tract through the use of the mucociliary system. The nasal cavity also houses the receptors responsible for olfaction. If any of the functions of the nasal cavity are compromised, the result is likely to manifest in signs and symptoms of clinically significant disease processes. Understanding the anatomy, physiology, and function of a properly functioning nasal cavity is essential in diagnosing and treating the underlying pathology.