The respiratory system brings air into the lungs, exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide between the air sacs and bloodstream, and exhales air. It includes the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchial tubes, and lungs. The nasal cavity cleans and conditions air before it reaches the pharynx and larynx, which direct air to the trachea and lungs for gas exchange to occur in the alveoli.