What is defined as the trunk of the body without the head and extremities?

The correct definition for the trunk of the body without the head and extremities is "torso." The torso comprises the central part of the body and includes structures such as the chest and abdomen. This term is important in anatomy and medical training because it helps to clarify discussions related to injuries, surgeries, and medical assessments that focus on the core region of the body.

Understanding the anatomy of the torso is crucial for combat medics, as they frequently deal with trauma that may affect this central area, such as injuries to vital organs housed within the thorax and abdomen. The other options do not refer specifically to the trunk of the body: the "appendix" refers to a small organ connected to the large intestine, "aorta" is the main artery of the body that carries blood from the heart, and "anatomy" is the broader study of the structure of organisms, which includes but is not limited to the torso.