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The primary function of the nose in the respiratory system is filtering air. The nasal passages are lined with mucous membranes and tiny hair-like structures called cilia. These structures work together to trap and filter out particulate matter, such as dust, pollen, and other foreign particles present in the air before it enters the lungs. This filtration process is crucial for maintaining healthy respiratory function, as it helps to prevent harmful substances from reaching the delicate tissues of the lungs.

In addition to filtering, the nose also plays significant roles in humidifying and warming the air we breathe, which further protects the respiratory system. While the other functions listed, such as producing sound or exchanging gases, are important in their own right, they are not the primary purpose of the nose in the context of the respiratory system.