An aspect of various systems and methods provides, but not limited thereto, novel means for simulating physiological systems and processes in vitro in order to test surgical devices and train practitioners in the use of surgical devices. An aspect of various embodiments further provides in vitro anatomical components, such as a thorax, lungs, heart and pericardium, configured to contain at least one fluid having a pressure-frequency profile that may mimic typical pressure-frequency waveforms of in vivo anatomical fluids. A model communication system may be used to communicate the desired pressure-frequency profiles to the in vitro anatomical fluids. In a further aspect of various embodiments, an access device, e.g. a surgical instrument, configured to sense pressure, frequency, and/or a pressure-frequency profile may be inserted into one or more anatomical components of the in vitro model in order to test the instrument and/or train a practitioner in proper use of the instrument. An access device communication system may be used to communicate data to the practitioner. This data may include, for example, pressure-frequency data and/or the location of a portion of the access device with respect to the various in vitro anatomical components.