Final answer:
Cells that die as the result of acute injury undergo necrosis, which causes inflammation. Programmed cell death, known as apoptosis, is a normal process that destroys unnecessary cells and does not initiate an inflammatory response.
Step-by-step explanation:
When cells die as the result of acute injury, they undergo necrosis, which is accidental cell death. Necrosis causes inflammation. On the other hand, programmed cell death, known as apoptosis, is a normal step-by-step process that destroys cells no longer needed by the body.
Apoptosis does not initiate an inflammatory response. Acute inflammation resolves over time with tissue healing, but if inflammation persists, it can become chronic and lead to diseased conditions.