Which components make up the final part of the axial skeleton?

The final part of the axial skeleton is best represented by the thorax, which includes the sternum and ribs. The axial skeleton is responsible for supporting the body's weight and protecting the central nervous system and vital organs.

The thorax plays a critical role in respiration by housing the lungs and heart, with the ribs providing a protective cage around these organs while also allowing for the expansion and contraction of the chest during breathing. The sternum, or breastbone, is the central bone to which the ribs connect, contributing to the stability and structure of the ribcage.

In contrast, the skull and vertebrae, while part of the axial skeleton, represent earlier components rather than the final part. The pelvis and sacrum are classified as part of the appendicular skeleton, not the axial skeleton. Lastly, cranial and facial bones, while also integral to the skull structure, do not encompass the thoracic components that complete the axial skeleton.