Final answer:
The statement that the nasal passages and structures prior to the respiratory bronchioles cool air is incorrect. These structures warm, filter, and humidify incoming air to protect lung tissues and aid in infection prevention.
Step-by-step explanation:
The functions of the nasal passages and structures before the respiratory bronchioles is b) cool air. The nasal passages and associated structures do not cool the air; instead, they warm it.
The nasal passages, along with other parts of the conducting zone like the pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and most bronchioles, are responsible for filtering, warming, and humidifying the air. These processes help protect the lungs and serve to optimize the conditions for the gas exchange that will occur later in the alveoli. The nasal cavity features structures such as conchae and cilia that aid in trapping particulate matter, and the mucus that lines the nasal cavity can also trap pathogens, helping in infection prevention.
As air passes through the nasal cavity, it is brought to body temperature and is saturated with moisture. This reduces the chances of damage to the delicate tissues within the lungs that could occur due to cold or dry air. Additionally, the sense of smell is also primarily situated in the nasal passages, providing the ability to detect and react to airborne chemicals.