Final answer:
The diameter of the afferent and efferent arterioles can be changed to alter the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). This can be regulated by autoregulation, 1) hormonal regulation, and sympathetic regulation. Autoregulation involves internal mechanisms within the kidney, while hormonal regulation involves the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, and sympathetic regulation involves the activation of the sympathetic nervous system.
Step-by-step explanation:
Changing the diameter of the afferent and efferent arterioles can alter the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). This is primarily regulated by autoregulation, hormonal regulation, and sympathetic regulation. Autoregulation refers to the myogenic mechanism and the tubuloglomerular feedback mechanism, which are internal mechanisms that control blood flow and GFR within the kidney. Hormonal regulation involves the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which acts to regulate blood pressure and volume. Sympathetic regulation involves the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which can cause vasoconstriction of the arterioles and decrease blood flow to the kidneys.