What term describes the bones that form the bony box surrounding the lungs?

The term that describes the bones forming the bony box surrounding the lungs is indeed ribs. The rib cage consists of 12 pairs of ribs that attach to the vertebral column at the back and curve around to meet the sternum at the front. This structure provides protection for the lungs and heart and plays a crucial role in the respiratory process by allowing movement during breathing.

The vertebrae are the bones forming the spine and provide support for the body but do not enclose the lungs. Clavicles, commonly known as collarbones, connect the arm to the body and help with shoulder movement, but they do not form part of the protective structure around the lungs. The sternum, or breastbone, is located in the center of the chest and connects to the ribs but is just one part of the rib cage. Thus, the ribs as a whole are responsible for creating the protective bony box for the lungs, making this term the most accurate choice.