A bio-model for simulating a surgical procedure is described. The bio-model comprises a cover portion; a synthetic anatomical structure and a tray portion configured to support the synthetic anatomical structure. The cover portion comprises a synthetic skin layer and a first synthetic soft tissue portion and a second synthetic soft tissue portion. During a simulated surgical procedure, the first and second synthetic soft tissue portions provide a resistive force to a surgical implement such as a retractor. This simulates the surgical environment in which a surgeon must work in a confined space when operating on the anatomical structure through an incision. A cradle for supporting a synthetic anatomical structure is also described. The cradle is formed from a radiolucent material. This allows the cradle to be used with surgical navigation systems that use electromagnetic navigation.