Which term describes the physical structure formed by bones in a living organism?

The term that describes the physical structure formed by bones in a living organism is "skeleton." The skeleton is the framework that provides support and shape to the body, protects vital organs, facilitates movement by serving as attachment points for muscles, and plays a critical role in the production of blood cells within the bone marrow.

The skeletal system encompasses all bones and cartilage in the body, along with their associated structures, but when referring to the physical structure specifically formed by the bones, "skeleton" is the most precise term. It is important to distinguish this from other options, such as smooth muscle, which pertains to a type of muscle tissue rather than a structural component, or "sink," which does not relate to biology or anatomy at all. The skeletal system as a whole includes bones, but it also considers ligaments and cartilages that contribute to the overall support system of an organism, while the skeleton specifically refers to the collection of bones themselves.