Final answer:
The sarcoplasmic reticulum is a specialized part of muscle cells that stores and releases calcium ions essential for muscle contraction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term sarcoplasmic reticulum best describes the storage and release site for calcium ions within muscle fibers. In the context of skeletal muscle fibers, the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) is a specialized type of smooth endoplasmic reticulum that forms a network around each myofibril. The SR is essential for muscle contraction as it regulates the storage, release, and retrieval of calcium ions (Ca++), which are necessary for the muscle cells' coordinated contractions.