Final answer:
The soft palate is the posterior one-third of the palate that is muscular, while the hard palate is the bony structure that forms the roof of the mouth and floor of the nasal cavity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The soft palate refers to the posterior one-third of the palate that is muscular. It is composed mainly of skeletal muscle, allowing for manipulation and control. This is in contrast to the hard palate, which is the bony structure that forms the roof of the mouth and floor of the nasal cavity.