Chromosomes
The microscopically visible carriers of the genetic material. They are composed of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and proteins and, under a microscope, look like little rods. Humans normally have 46 chromosomes — 44 autosomes (nonsex chromosomes) plus XX sex chromosomes in the case of the female and XY sex chromosomes in the case of the male. For a more thorough consideration of our chromosomes, please see the entry to Chromosome.
Medical dictionary.
2011.