The respiratory system allows for gas exchange between the external environment and tissues of the body. It involves two phases - external respiration where gases are exchanged between the atmosphere and blood, and internal respiration where gases are exchanged between the blood and body tissues. The main organs involved are the nose, nasal cavity, larynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles and alveoli in the lungs. The lungs and respiratory tract work together to inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide in a cyclic breathing process.