Final answer:
The palate forms the roof of the mouth and separates the oropharynx and nasopharynx. The oropharynx is a part of the pharynx that allows passage of air and food and is connected to the laryngopharynx.
Step-by-step explanation:
The structure that forms the roof of the mouth and separates the oropharynx and nasopharynx is the palate. The oropharynx is a portion of the pharynx that serves as a passageway for both air and food. It is flanked by the nasopharynx, oral cavity, and laryngopharynx. The oropharynx begins inferior to the nasopharynx and is continuous with the laryngopharynx, which is the region that connects to the esophagus and larynx, facilitating the flow of air into the bronchial tree. The pharynx itself is a muscular tube lined with mucous membrane that extends from the nasal and oral cavities superiorly to the esophagus anteriorly, and its function adjusts to accommodate both breathing and digestion.