What structure separates the oral cavity from the nasal cavity?

The palate serves as the structure that separates the oral cavity from the nasal cavity. It is divided into two parts: the hard palate at the front, which is bony and provides a rigid barrier, and the soft palate at the back, which is muscular and flexible. This separation is essential for multiple functions, including speech, swallowing, and the prevention of food or liquid from entering the nasal cavity.

The septum refers to the structure that divides the left and right nasal cavities, playing a role in directing airflow and supporting the nasal passage, but it does not separate the oral cavity from the nasal cavity. The tongue, while important for various functions in the oral cavity, does not provide a physical barrier between the oral cavity and nasal cavity. The gums are part of the oral cavity structure that supports the teeth, but they do not separate the nasal passages from the mouth. Thus, the palate is indeed the correct answer as it directly fulfills the requirement of separating these two cavities.