Which structure supports the weight of the body through the vertebral column?

The structure that supports the weight of the body through the vertebral column is the pelvic girdle. The pelvic girdle, which includes the hip bones, connects the spine to the lower limbs and is integral in bearing and transferring the body’s weight. It supports the upper body while allowing for a range of movements in the legs, which is essential for activities such as walking, running, and standing.

The other answer choices pertain to different functions and roles in the body. The femur, while it is a weight-bearing bone in the leg, does not directly support the weight of the entire body through the spine as the pelvic girdle does. The scapula and clavicle are part of the upper body structure, serving primarily to connect the arm to the trunk and facilitating arm movement rather than providing support for the body's weight as transmitted through the spine.