Chromosomal inheritance refers to the way genes are passed from parents to offspring through chromosomes. Each human cell typically contains 23 pairs of chromosomes, with one set inherited from each parent. These chromosomes carry genes, which are the basic units of heredity that determine traits such as eye color and height. During reproduction, the chromosomes undergo a process called meiosis, resulting in gametes (sperm and egg cells) that contain half the number of chromosomes. When fertilization occurs, the combination of these gametes restores the full set of chromosomes, ensuring that traits are inherited according to the principles of Mendelian genetics.