Saltatory conduction is a process that occurs in myelinated neurons, where electrical impulses jump from one node of Ranvier to another. This jumping significantly speeds up the transmission of nerve signals compared to continuous conduction in unmyelinated fibers. The myelin sheath, made of glial cells, insulates the axon and prevents ion leakage. This insulation allows the action potential to travel more efficiently, reducing energy expenditure and increasing the speed of communication between neurons. As a result, saltatory conduction is crucial for rapid responses in the nervous system.