Email servers manage the sending and receiving of messages through a structured process involving several key components. When a user sends an email, the client application communicates with an SMTP server to send the message. The SMTP server then routes the email to the recipient's mail server, typically using domain name system (DNS) to locate it. For incoming messages, the recipient's server uses protocols like IMAP or POP3 to retrieve and manage emails. This architecture ensures efficient message delivery and organization, enabling users to access their communications seamlessly.