What process involves breaking a tablet into smaller pieces?

The process that involves breaking a tablet into smaller pieces is disintegration. When a tablet disintegrates, it means that the solid dosage form breaks down into smaller fragments, making the active ingredients more accessible for dissolution and subsequent absorption in the body. Disintegration is a critical step in ensuring that a tablet can effectively release its active pharmaceutical ingredients once taken.

Dissolution, though related, refers to the process where those smaller fragments dissolve in a solvent, typically as part of the absorption process. Compression pertains to the method of forming tablets by applying pressure to a powder mixture, while granulation is a process used to form granules, which can then be compressed into tablets or used in other formulations. Each of these processes serves a distinct purpose in pharmaceutical manufacturing and drug delivery, but only disintegration specifically focuses on breaking the tablet into smaller pieces.