Final answer:
The hard palate is formed by the palatine processes of the maxillary bones and the horizontal plate of the palatine bones.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hard palate is a bony structure that forms the roof of the mouth and the floor of the nasal cavity. It is formed by two facial bones: the anterior portion is created by the palatine processes of the maxillary bones, and the posterior portion by the horizontal plate of the palatine bones. These structures are part of the 14 facial bones that support the facial structures and form the upper and lower jaws, as well as the hard palate.