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An investigator is conducting a study to document the histological changes in the respiratory passages of a chronic smoker. He obtains multiple biopsy samples from the respiratory system of a previously healthy 25-year-old man. Histological examination of one sample shows simple cuboidal cells with club cells and with a surrounding layer of smooth muscle. Chondrocytes and goblet cells are absent. This specimen was most likely obtained from which of the following parts of the respiratory system?