Humans have 46 chromosomes (or 23 pairs) in each of their somatic cells (body cells). Somatic cells are diploid cells (2N) because they contain the complete set of chromosomes.

This number is unique to humans and varies from organism to organism. The diploid set of 46 chromosomes comes from each parent contributing 23 chromosomes, the haploid (N) number.

Humans also possess some haploid cells. These are the gametes, or sex cells. Males produce spermatazoids in their gonads (testicles) and females produce egg cells in their gonads (ovaries). These cells each contain 23 chromosomes.

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