Which statement best describes the components of the axial skeleton?

• A. It consists of the skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage.
• B. It consists of the shoulder girdle and limbs.
• C. It consists of the pelvis and lower limbs.
• D. It consists of the ribs and pelvis only.

Answer: (A)

The important idea here is distinguishing what makes up the axial skeleton. The axial skeleton forms the body's central axis and includes the skull, the vertebral column, and the thoracic cage, which together protect the brain, spinal cord, and thoracic organs. So listing the skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage correctly describes the axial skeleton.

The other options point to parts of the appendicular skeleton—the shoulder girdle and limbs, or the pelvis and lower limbs. A statement mentioning only the ribs and pelvis is incomplete because it misses the skull and vertebral column and doesn’t encompass the full thoracic cage.