A somatic cell is any cell in the body that is not a reproductive cell, meaning it does not contribute to the formation of eggs or sperm. These cells make up most of the body's tissues and organs, including skin, muscle, and nerve cells. Somatic cells contain a full set of chromosomes, which carry the genetic information necessary for the organism's growth and functioning. In humans, somatic cells are diploid, meaning they have two sets of chromosomes—one set inherited from each parent. This is in contrast to gametes, which are haploid and contain only one set of chromosomes. Somatic cells undergo processes like mitosis for growth and repair, ensuring that the organism maintains its cellular functions throughout its life.