Concept:The lithosphere is the rigid outer layer of the Earth.
Explanation:The lithosphere consists of the Earth's crust and the uppermost solid part of the mantle.
This rigid layer extends to a depth of about 100 km.
Below this, the mantle becomes partially molten and is not part of the lithosphere.
The crust and upper mantle together form the tectonic plates that move due to convection currents in the deeper mantle.
The mantle continues to a depth of 2,890 km, but only the solid upper portion is included in the lithosphere.
The core (inner and outer) lies much deeper and is separate from the lithosphere.
Answer:Option C: crust and uppermost solid mantle.