Final answer:
The function of transverse tubules is to rapidly move action potentials to the interior of the muscle fiber. (Option 1)
Step-by-step explanation:
The function of transverse tubules (T-tubules) is to rapidly move action potentials to the interior of the muscle fiber. This ensures that the action potential reaches the membrane of the Sarcoplasmic Reticulum (SR), causing the opening of calcium channels in the SR's membrane and leading to the release of Ca2+ ions. These ions diffuse into the sarcoplasm and trigger the contraction of the muscle fiber by acting on the sarcomeres, the muscle's contractile units.
The T-tubules are narrow invaginations of the sarcolemma that allow electrical impulses to be conducted deep into the muscle cell. The T-tubule, along with the terminal cisternae of the SR, forms a structure known as a triad. This arrangement facilitates the close proximity of the T-tubules with the SR, ensuring efficient communication and calcium ion transfer necessary for muscle fiber contraction and relaxation.