Final answer:
The answer to the question is D) sclerotome. These cells originate from the mesoderm and differentiate to form the vertebrae and ribs, which are components of the axial skeleton.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cells of the sclerotome gather around the notochord and neural tube and produce the vertebra and rib at their associated level. The sclerotomes are derived from the mesoderm and consist of mesenchyme which will give rise to the connective tissues, cartilages, and bones of the body. The development of the vertebrate skeletal system is a complex process that begins with the formation of somites from the mesoderm, which subsequently differentiate to form the sclerotomes, myotomes, and dermatomes. The sclerotomes specifically differentiate into the axial skeleton, contributing to the formation of the vertebral column.