Final answer:
The number of Barr bodies in a somatic cell can be determined by counting the inactive X chromosomes present in the nucleus.
Step-by-step explanation:
The number of Barr bodies in a somatic cell can be determined by counting the inactive X chromosomes present in the nucleus. Barr bodies are formed when one of the two X chromosomes in females is randomly inactivated. Since males have one X and one Y chromosome, they do not have Barr bodies. In general, the number of Barr bodies in a somatic cell is equal to the number of inactive X chromosomes.