The liver removes nutrients and bacteria from hepatic portal blood. The hepatic portal vein carries blood from the digestive tract, pancreas, and spleen to the liver, where the liver removes nutrients, toxins, and other substances from the blood. The liver then processes these substances and either stores them for later use or eliminates them from the body. The kidneys are responsible for filtering blood to remove waste products and excess water, while the lungs are responsible for exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide. The heart is responsible for pumping blood throughout the body.