Human chromosomes are structures found in the nucleus of cells that contain DNA, the genetic material that carries instructions for the development and functioning of the body. Each human cell typically has 46 chromosomes, organized into 23 pairs. One chromosome of each pair is inherited from the mother, and the other from the father. Chromosomes are categorized into two types: autosomes and sex chromosomes. Humans have 22 pairs of autosomes, which are the same in both males and females, and one pair of sex chromosomes, which determine an individual's sex. Males have one X and one Y chromosome, while females have two X chromosomes.