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Definition

Any of the 22 chromosomes other than the sex chromosomes.

Use in clinical context

A cell with the full complement of chromosomes contains two copies of each of the 22 autosomes, these pairs are numbered 1 to 22. The chromosomes in each pair are inherited from an individual’s parents, one from the mother and one from the father. Sometimes an individual may inherit an autosome carrying a genetic variant that could have clinical implications.

Last updated on 22nd May, 2020