mëlçi

Mëlçi is the Albanian word for the liver, the large organ that forms part of the body's digestive and metabolic systems. In Albanian, the ordinary noun for the organ is mëlçi; the definite form is mëlçia. The liver is located in the upper right portion of the abdomen beneath the diaphragm and is protected by the rib cage.

The liver has several major roles. In humans it consists of two main lobes and is composed of hepatic tissue containing hepatocytes. It receives blood from the portal vein and hepatic artery, processes nutrients, and detoxifies substances. It also produces bile, a digestive fluid essential for fat digestion, and contributes to protein synthesis (including albumin and clotting factors). Additional functions include storage of glycogen and certain vitamins, and participation in immune defense through resident cells such as Kupffer cells.

Clinical relevance is significant because the liver can be affected by a range of conditions. Hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease (NAFLD/NASH) are common examples, with causes including viral infections, alcohol use, obesity, and metabolic disorders. Symptoms may include jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, and swelling, though many liver conditions are asymptomatic in early stages. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests that measure liver enzymes and bilirubin, imaging studies, and sometimes biopsy. Treatments depend on the specific condition and may include antiviral therapy, lifestyle changes, medications, or liver transplantation in advanced cases.

In everyday language, mëlçi is used in Albanian medical and educational contexts to describe the liver, its anatomy, physiology, and health-related topics.