What term refers to the column of bones that supports the body?

The term that refers to the column of bones that supports the body is "backbone." The backbone, also known as the vertebral column or spine, consists of individual vertebrae stacked together to form a flexible structure that provides support, protects the spinal cord, and allows for movement and flexibility of the trunk.

Though "spine" is another term commonly used to describe this structure, the more informal and colloquial term "backbone" aptly captures the essence of its function as the central support of the body. The term "skeleton" refers to the entire framework of bones in the body, including the spine, while "cartilage" is a type of connective tissue found in various parts of the body, including joint surfaces, but is not itself a column of bones. Therefore, the specificity of "backbone" makes it the most accurate term in this context.