Why do myelinated nerve fibers conduct impulses faster than unmyelinated nerve?

Question

Why do myelinated nerve fibers conduct impulses faster than unmyelinated nerve?

Answer 1

Because there are gaps in the myelin sheath called the Nodes of Ranvier (about 1 micrometer in diameter) formed between myelin sheath cells (Schwann cells) along axons or nerve fibers.

They enable an action potential passing down the axons to jump from Node to Node (Saltatory Conduction) thus speeding up the impulse.