Final answer:
The acute inflammatory response is a function of the innate immune system, which acts quickly to combat pathogens with a non-specific defense mechanism.
Step-by-step explanation:
The acute inflammatory response is part of the innate immune system, which is a critical component of the human body's first line of defense against pathogens. Unlike the adaptive immune system, which creates specific responses tailored to a particular pathogen, the innate immune system provides quick, non-specific responses to a broad range of pathogens. This includes the inflammation mechanism, which works to bring fluids and cells to a site of infection or injury, both to fight against the causative agent, like pathogens, and to promote healing. Inflammation can be acute, a short-term response to an immediate threat, or can become chronic if the underlying cause persists, potentially leading to further health issues.