Which bones make up the axial skeleton?

The axial skeleton is comprised of the central core of the body and includes the skull, vertebral column, and rib cage. This structure provides support and protection for the brain, spinal cord, and thoracic organs, making it essential for maintaining posture and protecting vital components of the body.

The skull houses and protects the brain, while the vertebral column encases the spinal cord and provides structural integrity as well as flexibility for the torso. The rib cage not only encases the heart and lungs but also aids in respiration. Together, these components form the central axis that supports the body's structure, in contrast to other skeletal components that primarily facilitate movement or provide attachment points for muscles.

In contrast, the other options represent components of the appendicular skeleton, responsible for facilitating limb movement. For instance, the limbs and girdles focus on the arms and legs, while specific bones like the femur, tibia, fibula, phalanges, and metatarsals are all associated with the lower limbs and feet, thus falling under the classification of the appendicular skeleton rather than the axial skeleton.