What are the primary functions of the bronchi in the respiratory system?

The bronchi primarily serve as airways that extend from the trachea into the lungs, branching into smaller bronchi and ultimately leading into the bronchioles. This branching structure is essential for delivering air deeper into the lung tissue, facilitating efficient gas exchange at the alveolar level where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged.

The bronchi also play a critical role in maintaining the airflow necessary for respiration, acting as a conduit for air inhalation and exhalation. They are lined with mucous membranes and cilia that help in trapping foreign particles and pathogens, but the main function of the bronchi is the transportation of air within the respiratory system. This role differentiates them from other structures in the respiratory system that are involved in gas exchange or specific roles like filtering and humidifying air.