Anatomy and Physiology II Practice Test

Which condition is characterized by an increased volume of urine production?

1. Oliguria

2. Anuria

3. Diabetes insipidus

4. Polyuria

The correct answer is: Polyuria

Polyuria is characterized by an increased volume of urine production, typically defined as urine output exceeding 3 liters per day in adults. This condition can result from a variety of factors including excessive fluid intake, certain medications, and various underlying medical conditions that affect the kidneys' ability to concentrate urine or regulate fluid balance. In the case of diabetes insipidus, while it does involve increased urine production, it specifically refers to a deficiency of the antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or a resistance to its action, leading to an inability to concentrate urine. Therefore, although it leads to polyuria, it is a specific type rather than being synonymous with the general term polyuria itself. Oliguria signifies a reduced urine output, typically defined as less than 400 milliliters per day in adults, and anuria refers to a near-complete absence of urine production, often less than 100 milliliters per day. Thus, these conditions are not characterized by increased urine volume. In summary, polyuria directly describes the increased volume of urine production and is therefore the most accurate choice in this context.