Which of the following constitutes the axial skeleton?

The axial skeleton includes the central core of the body that supports and protects vital organs. It is primarily composed of the skull, vertebral column (spine), and thoracic cage (ribs and sternum). This structure is crucial for providing the framework that houses the brain, spinal cord, and thoracic organs such as the heart and lungs.

The skull protects the brain and forms the structure of the face, while the vertebral column provides support and flexibility for the body. The thoracic cage encases and safeguards the heart and lungs, facilitating respiration and circulation.

Other structures, such as the arms and legs or the pelvis, comprise parts of the appendicular skeleton, which is responsible for movement and the body's mobility but does not include the central framework that defines the axial skeleton. The ribs alone, while part of the thoracic cage, do not encompass all the components of the axial skeleton.