text: does anyone know the role of the liver in blood detoxification and glucose balance??   venous blood goes into the liver through the hepatic portal vein before it enters the major systemic circulation. this blood comes from the digestive system so it is nutrient rich. when it percolates through the liver the cells take the nutrients they need for metabolism and phagocytic cells remove bacteria or foreign matter. the livers glycogen stores are the first glucose reserve and are mobilized quickly to maintain blood sugar levels for hours.