Dust and ionized gas association in E/S0 galaxies with dust lanes: clues to their origin

We present results from an on-going programme to study the dust and ionized gas in E/S0 galaxies with dust lanes. Our data, together with results from previous studies of E/S0 galaxies, are used to demonstrate the tight relationship between these two components. This relationship is discussed in light of our current understanding of the nature and origin of the interstellar medium (ISM), and in particular in the context of the interplay between the different multi-temperature components. We show that focusing on dust obscured regions as tracers of the ISM, and on their properties, serves as independent evidence for the external origin of the dust and ionized gas.