Autosomal
The term autosomal is used to describe certain chromosomes within a karyotype that code for the production of various proteins. Autosomal chromosomes appear in pairs whereby each chromosome is genetically identical to its paired chromosome. Any chromosomes in a karyotype that are not autosomal are described as allosomal. Allosomal chromosomes are sex chromosomes which are responsible for sex determination [1].
In humans there are 23 pairs of chromosomes, 22 of which are autosomal. The other pair are allosomal and determine sex (X and Y chromosomes).