* 22 pairs are called autosomes, and are the same in both males and females.

* 1 pair is called sex chromosomes, which determine the sex of the individual. Females have two X chromosomes, while males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome.

This number holds true for most cells in the body, which are called somatic cells. However, there is an exception: gametes (sperm and egg cells) have only 23 chromosomes, one from each pair. This is because when sperm and egg unite, they create a new individual with a full set of 46 chromosomes.