Final answer:
The nervous system's function related to muscle tissues is to signal them to contract, specifically through the release of neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine.
Step-by-step explanation:
The function of the nervous system in relation to muscle tissue is primarily to signal the muscles to contract. When considering the options provided:
- (A) Releasing ATP into contracting muscle cells is not correct because ATP is produced by the muscle cells themselves as an immediate source of energy for contraction.
- (B) Producing lactic acid in fatigued muscle tissues is a byproduct of anaerobic respiration within the muscle cells, therefore not a direct function of the nervous system.
- (C) Increasing cellular respiration in muscle tissues is a metabolic function of the cells in response to demands for energy and is not a direct function of the nervous system.
- (D) Signaling muscle tissues to contract is indeed a function of the nervous system, specifically through the release of neurotransmitters like acetylcholine at motor nerve endings, which then stimulates the muscle fibers to contract.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question is (D) signaling muscle tissues to contract.