Disclosed herein are synthetic anatomical models, methods of making and using same, that are designed to enable simulated use testing by medical device, pharmaceutial, and consumer product developers. These models are unique in possessing a level of complexity that allows them to be substituted for either a live animal, an animal cadaver, or a human cadaver in the testing of such products. These models are further characterized by a similarity of geometry, individual component physical properties, and component-to-component interfacial properties with the appropriate target tissue and anatomy. Specifically exemplified herein are models comprising living cells disposed in or on at least a portion thereof.