Where would you find a minimal amount of compact bone within the skeletal system?

The correct choice is the bone ends. The ends of long bones, known as the epiphyses, primarily consist of a spongy bone structure, which is characterized by its less dense, porous nature. This spongy bone is surrounded by a thin layer of compact bone, but the overall amount of compact bone is minimal compared to the shaft of the long bones, which contains a significant amount of compact bone for support and strength. In contrast, locations like the shafts of long bones, vertebrae, and pelvic bones have more compact bone present to provide structural integrity. Therefore, the distinction of the bone ends being primarily spongy with minimal compact bone is what makes it the correct answer.