What condition refers to the complete cessation of urine flow?

Anuria refers to the complete cessation of urine flow, a critical condition indicating that the kidneys are not producing urine or that there is a blockage in the urinary tract preventing urine from being excreted. This is usually defined as a urine output of less than 100 milliliters per day in adults and can signify severe renal failure or other serious health issues requiring immediate medical attention.

In contrast, oliguria describes a decreased urine output, typically defined as less than 400 milliliters per day, but not a total absence of urine. Polyuria signifies excessive urine production, often over 2.5 liters per day, and is commonly associated with conditions like diabetes mellitus or diabetes insipidus. Nocturia refers to the need to wake up at night to urinate and is more related to sleep disturbances or urinary tract issues rather than the complete cessation of urine flow. Understanding these distinctions is vital in the context of renal function assessments and diagnosing various urinary conditions.