Inflammation is the body’s standard, first response to injury. Inflammation limits the extent of the injury, partially or completely removes the cause of the injury, and initiates the repair and regeneration of damaged tissue. Necrosis or accidental cell death causes inflammation. Apoptosis is programmed cell death, a normal step-by-step process that destroys cells that the body no longer needs. By mechanisms currently under investigation, apoptosis does not initiate the inflammatory response. Acute inflammation resolves over time with healing of the tissue. If the inflammation persists, it becomes chronic and leads to diseased conditions.