Final answer:
The major bony components of the thorax (excluding the vertebral column) are the ribs, sternum, thoracic vertebrae, and costal cartilages. The ribs are long curved bones that attach to the thoracic vertebrae and form the ribcage. The sternum is a flat bone located at the anterior of the chest, and the thoracic vertebrae provide support and protection for the organs in the thoracic cavity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major bony components of the thorax, excluding the vertebral column, include the ribs, sternum, thoracic vertebrae, and costal cartilages.
The ribs are 12 pairs of long curved bones that attach to the thoracic vertebrae and curve toward the front of the body, forming the ribcage.
The sternum, or breastbone, is a long flat bone located at the anterior of the chest. It is formed from many bones in the embryo, which fuse in the adult.
The thoracic vertebrae are the bones of the spine that are located in the thoracic region and provide support and protection for the organs in the thoracic cavity.
Costal cartilages connect the anterior ends of most ribs to the sternum, providing flexibility and support to the ribcage.