In , differentiation is inhibited, and apoptosis is neither activated nor inhibited. Another difference between osteoblast and osteoclast population balances is that preosteoblast dynamics are commonly modeled. A study analyzing a generalized model of bone remodeling highlights the importance of preosteoblast populations . For instance, preosteoblasts release key signaling molecules that initiate the resorption phase of bone remodeling. Additionally, preosteoblast cell dynamics must be modeled because the number of osteoblasts is dictated by the preosteoblast population after proliferation . Since osteoblasts do not proliferate, a decrease in bone formation may result from fewer preosteoblasts. Preosteoblast population balances follow the same form as those of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. The formation term represents differentiation from uncommitted osteoblasts, while the consumption term represents conversion to osteoblasts.