Final answer:
The air passages involved in respiration consist of the nasal cavity, pharynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli. Gas exchange takes place in the respiratory zone, specifically in the terminal bronchioles and alveoli.
Step-by-step explanation:
The air passages involved in respiration consist of the nasal cavity, pharynx, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli. The conducting zone includes the nasal cavity, pharynx, trachea, and most bronchioles, which provide passageways for air to travel into and out of the lungs. The respiratory zone includes the terminal bronchioles and alveoli, where gas exchange takes place between the air in the alveoli and the blood in capillaries surrounding them.