Final answer:
Cilia is responsible for removing foreign matter from the lungs by sweeping mucus and trapped debris out of the airways.
Step-by-step explanation:
The element within the respiratory system that is responsible for removing foreign matter from the lungs is the cilia. The lining of the bronchi and bronchioles contains cilia, which are small hair-like projections. These cilia continually move in unison to sweep mucus and trapped debris out of the airways and toward the throat, where they can be expelled from the body.