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Anuria is defined as the complete absence of urine formation, which indicates that the kidneys are unable to produce urine. This condition can occur due to various reasons, such as severe dehydration, acute kidney injury, or obstruction in the urinary tract. It is a critical condition that requires immediate medical attention since it implies that the body is not able to properly eliminate waste products.

The other choices present differing conditions related to urinary output, but do not accurately describe anuria. Increase of urine excretion refers to a different state known as polyuria, while a marked increase of urinary crystals would relate to conditions such as nephrolithiasis (kidney stones) rather than the absence of urine. Similarly, a decrease of urinary crystals does not characterize the absence of urine formation, but rather indicates a lower concentration of minerals within the urine. Understanding these distinctions is vital for recognizing and diagnosing kidney function issues.