Final answer:
The main groups of bones that form the axial skeleton are the skull, vertebral column, and thoracic cage. The axial skeleton consists of the skull, ossicles of the middle ear, hyoid bone, vertebral column, and thoracic cage, forming the central axis of the body and providing support and protection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main groups of bones that form the axial skeleton include the bones of the skull, the ossicles of the middle ear, the hyoid bone of the throat, the vertebral column (which includes the spine), and the thoracic cage (which includes the rib cage). The axial skeleton is central to the body's structure, providing support and protection for the brain, spinal cord, and organs within the chest.