Which objects populate the Milky Way’s spherical component?

The Milky Way’s spherical component, which occupies the space above and below the galactic disk as a thinly populated extension of the central bulge, is primarily populated by the following objects:

• Globular clusters: These are large, massive, and extremely luminous star clusters that are arranged in a nearly spherical halo around the galaxy.12
• Field stars: The region contains many individual stars, specifically those classified as extreme Population II stars. These include RR Lyrae variable stars and various dwarf stars that are deficient in heavy elements.2

Structurally, this spherical component resembles an elliptical galaxy, following a simple mathematical law regarding how stellar density varies with distance from the galactic centre.2