Final answer:
Scheduled cell death is known as apoptosis or programmed cell death. It is a controlled process that helps maintain the health of an organism by eliminating damaged or unnecessary cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cell death that is scheduled is called apoptosis, which is also known as programmed cell death. This natural process is important for maintaining the health of an organism by eliminating old, unnecessary, or damaged cells. If a cell is damaged, superfluous, or could potentially harm an organism, it can initiate apoptosis. Conversely, when cells die from an external injury, they undergo necrosis, which is an accidental, uncontrolled type of cell death. Apoptosis is critical for development and maintaining cellular balance. Disruption in this process can lead to unregulated cell division, resulting in tumor formation and cancer.