Final answer:
The body responds to cold by shivering to generate heat and reducing blood circulation to the extremities to preserve warmth in the core. Severe cold can lead to frostbite and tissue damage in the extremities.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the body is exposed to cold, it responds through various mechanisms to maintain its core temperature. One response is shivering, which generates heat through random muscle movement.
Another response is the reduction of blood circulation to the extremities to prevent cooling, while also maintaining warmth at the core of the body. In severe cold conditions, tissues exposed to low blood flow can develop frostbite, leading to permanent damage.