Final answer:
Saltatory conduction is the faster propagation of an action potential along a myelinated axon, as the action potential jumps from one node to the next. Myelination of the axon and the diameter of the axon influence the speed of conduction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Saltatory conduction refers to the faster propagation of an action potential along a myelinated axon, as compared to continuous conduction in an unmyelinated axon. In saltatory conduction, the action potential jumps from one node of Ranvier to the next, allowing for rapid transmission of the signal. This occurs because voltage-gated ion channels are only present at the nodes of Ranvier, where the electrical events seem to 'leap' or 'jump'. The myelination of the axon, along with the diameter of the axon, influences the speed of conduction. A wider axon with myelin sheaths allows for faster transmission of the action potential.