What structure is located behind the rib cage and on either side of the spinal column?

The lungs are located behind the rib cage and on either side of the spinal column, making them the correct answer to this question. This anatomical positioning is crucial for their function in respiration. The rib cage provides a protective environment for the lungs, allowing them to expand and contract during breathing without injury. Additionally, the presence of the spinal column provides structural support and stability for the thoracic cavity where the lungs reside.

In comparison to the other options, the trachea is a tube that conducts air to and from the lungs and is not situated behind the rib cage, but rather runs down the front part of the neck and into the thoracic cavity. The bronchi are the branches of the trachea that lead into each lung, so while they are associated with the lungs, they are not situated in the same location as the lungs; they are more centrally located within the thoracic cavity. The diaphragm, a muscle crucial for inhalation and exhalation, lies below the lungs and rib cage rather than behind them. Therefore, while these other structures play important roles in the respiratory system, the lungs are specifically located behind the rib cage and next to the spinal column.