Where does blood go after it leaves the pulmonary veins?

After blood leaves the pulmonary veins, it flows into the left atrium of the heart. The pulmonary veins carry oxygenated blood from the lungs back to the heart. Upon arrival in the left atrium, the blood is then ready to move into the left ventricle, where it will be pumped out to the rest of the body.

Understanding this sequence is essential because it highlights the role of the pulmonary circulation in oxygenating blood and preparing it for systemic circulation. The structure of the heart ensures that this flow occurs efficiently, and recognizing the path from the pulmonary veins to the left atrium is fundamental to understanding cardiac function.