What structure receives blood directly from the pulmonary veins?

The structure that receives blood directly from the pulmonary veins is the left atrium. The pulmonary veins are responsible for transporting oxygenated blood from the lungs back to the heart. Specifically, two pulmonary veins emerge from each lung, entering the left atrium. This oxygen-rich blood is then pumped into the left ventricle, which subsequently distributes it throughout the body via the aorta.

Other structures mentioned have distinct roles in the circulatory system. The right ventricle receives deoxygenated blood from the right atrium and pumps it to the lungs via the pulmonary arteries for oxygenation. The aorta is the main artery carrying oxygenated blood from the left ventricle to the body. The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood returning to the heart from the body through the superior and inferior vena cavae. Thus, the left atrium is the correct answer as it is the chamber that specifically receives blood from the pulmonary veins.