Final answer:
The primary stress bearing area for a maxillary complete denture is the hard palate, which is part of the maxillary bone and provides a stable and rigid shelf for the denture.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary stress bearing area of the maxillary complete denture is the hard palate. This region is significant for denture support because it is created by the maxillary and palatine bones of the skull, which together form a rigid and stable shelf against which a denture can rest. The hard palate is distinct from the soft palate, which is positioned towards the back of the oral cavity and is composed mainly of skeletal muscle, contributing less to the support of a denture.