Which panel surrounds the rear wheel well and consists of inner and outer portions?

The correct answer is the wheel house, which refers to the area of the vehicle that encases the rear wheel well. This structure is designed with both an inner and outer portion, providing necessary support and protection for the vehicle. The inner portion of the wheel house forms the interior space that protects components from dirt, debris, and moisture that can enter through the wheel well. The outer portion helps to maintain the vehicle's aesthetics and aerodynamics while also contributing to safety by absorbing impacts during collisions.

Understanding the function of the wheel house is critical in auto collision repair, as damage to this area can compromise both structural integrity and the overall appearance of the vehicle. Proper repair techniques involve addressing any issues within both the inner and outer sections to restore the wheel well to its original condition.

The other options don't relate to the area around the rear wheel well. The floor pan is the vehicle's base structure, supporting the floor and passenger compartment. The cowl refers to an area at the front of the vehicle, which houses components like the windshield and wipers, while the radiator supports are structural components that hold up the radiator and are part of the engine compartment.