This thesis has investigated skeletal muscle fibers and neuromuscular junctions of the reptile Anolis carolinensis. The extensor digitorum communis and gastrocnemmius externus were used for observations and characterization. Cross sections were stained for oxidative and glycolytic activities and for contractile properties by the use of four histochemical stains. This revealed the extensor digitorum communis to be composed of predominately fast glycolytic fibers, with a central core of fast oxidative-glycolytic and slow oxidative fibers. The gastrocnemius externus exhibited a majority of fast oxidative-glycolytic fibers and random slow oxidative fibers.Ultra structural examination of the extensor digitorum communis revealed the nerve terminal of the neuromuscular junction to be smaller than that of the gastrocnemius externus, with junctional folds longer and straighter, and synaptic vesicles smaller and more closely packed. In both muscles, the nerve fibers terminated in a shallow groove of the muscle fiber. The characteristics and heterogeneity that exist are very similar to the homologous mammalian extensor digitorum longus and soleus skeletal muscle.Ball State UniversityMuncie, IN 47306