A buffer solution is a special type of solution that resists changes in pH when small amounts of an acid or base are added. It usually consists of a weak acid and its conjugate base, or a weak base and its conjugate acid. This balance helps maintain a stable pH, which is crucial in many chemical and biological processes, such as those occurring in the human body. For example, the bicarbonate buffer system in our blood helps keep the pH around 7.4, ensuring that our cells function properly. Without buffer solutions, even slight changes in pH could disrupt important reactions, making buffers essential in laboratories, pharmaceuticals, and various industrial applications.