Final answer:
A normal human somatic cell contains 46 chromosomes and 23 pairs of homologous chromosomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
A normal human somatic cell contains 46 chromosomes and 23 pairs of homologous chromosomes. Each set of chromosomes, consisting of 23 chromosomes, is inherited from each parent. Each chromosome within a pair is matched by a chromosome of the same type in the other set, resulting in 23 pairs. These pairs are called homologous chromosomes and contain genes of similar size and shape.