How many chromosomes are typically found in human somatic cells?

Human somatic cells typically contain 46 chromosomes, which are organized into 23 pairs. This diploid number is a result of inheriting one set of 23 chromosomes from each parent. Chromosomes carry genetic information, and during cell division—specifically mitosis—these chromosomes are duplicated and evenly distributed to ensure that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes.

In contrast, human gametes (sperm and egg cells) contain only 23 chromosomes, which is the haploid number, as they are produced through a different process called meiosis. The other numbers provided do not represent the typical chromosome count found in human somatic cells. Thus, 46 is the definitive answer for the typical chromosome count in these cells, underscoring the standard genetic complement necessary for proper human development and function.