What is the number of chromosomes in a human body cell?

In human body cells, the number of chromosomes is 46, which means that there are 23 pairs of chromosomes. Each parent contributes one chromosome to each pair, resulting in the total of 46 chromosomes per human somatic cell. This diploid number is critical for maintaining genetic continuity during cell division and inheritance, as it ensures that offspring receive a balanced set of genes from both parents.

The reason for this specific number is rooted in human evolution and the fusion of ancestral chromosomes over time. Each chromosome contains many genes that are essential for development, functioning, and reproduction. In contrast, other numbers listed do not accurately reflect the chromosome count in human somatic cells; 23 represents the number of chromosomes in human gametes (sperm and egg cells), while 36 and 64 do not correspond to any known cellular or reproductive processes in humans.