The safety of mandibular anesthesia is directly dependent on a precise understanding of the spatial relationships in the pterygomandibular space, particularly the risk of injury to the highly vascularized pterygoid venous plexus (PVP). In vivo studies of PVP displacement during mandibular movements face significant technical challenges. Objective: The study aims to study the spatial displacements of the pterygoid venous plexus during various physiological positions of the mandible using computer modeling with the finite-element method (FEM). Materials and Methods: A three-dimensional finite-element model was developed based on computed tomography data and the BodyParts3D anatomical atlas. The model included the bony structures of the skull, mandible, temporomandibular joint, masticatory muscles, and blood vessels. Simulations were performed for vertical displacements of the jaw at 15, 25, and 35 mm, as well as horizontal displacements of 5 mm to the left and right. Results: It was found that the magnitude of PVP displacement is proportional to the degree of mouth opening. The maximum total displacement (1.24 mm) was recorded at a 35 mm opening along the “posterior–medial–inferior” vector. Lateral excursions revealed asymmetry: displacement to the right caused plexus movement posteriorly, medially, and inferiorly (0.66 mm), while displacement to the left resulted in movement anteriorly, laterally, and superiorly (0.64 mm). Conclusions: This study demonstrates the significant mobility of the pterygoid venous plexus, which depends on the direction and amplitude of mandibular movements. The obtained data have important practical implications for planning regional anesthesia and minimizing the risk of iatrogenic complications. From a biomechanical perspective, maximum mouth opening produces the greatest displacement of the PVP, which may hypothetically reduce the risk of vascular puncture. Clinical studies are required to confirm this.

Introduction: Simulation-based training is a key component of surgical education; however, existing models, such as dry-laboratory and virtual reality simulators, have limitations in terms of realism and accessibility. The use of human cadaveric material is also challenging because of its high cost and limited availability. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of biological models based on large animal cadaveric material, specifically cattle and pigs, for practicing head and neck surgical skills. Materials and Methods: The study included 100 third- and fourth-year students, who were divided into a study group and a comparison group, with 50 participants in each group. The study group practiced surgical skills using animal cadaveric material: a porcine mandible for bone graft harvesting and a bovine head for resection craniotomy. The comparison group practiced using 3D-printed models. The results were assessed using an anonymous 8-item Likert-scale questionnaire, followed by statistical analysis using the Mann–Whitney U test. Results: In the study group, statistically significant increases were observed in satisfaction with participation, fulfillment of expectations, perceived subjective acquisition of manual skills, and overall satisfaction with the training process (p < 0.001; median scores: 38.0 and 34.0, respectively). The greatest differences were observed in satisfaction with participation, where 54% of participants rated it as “Excellent” compared with 6% in the comparison group, and in perceived subjective acquisition of manual skills, reported by 80% of participants in the study group compared with 24% in the comparison group. Conclusions. The use of cadaveric specimens from large animals is associated with higher satisfaction and represents an accessible alternative for practicing basic and commonly performed head and neck surgical procedures that do not require fine dissection of neurovascular bundles. This model provides a high degree of tactile realism and anatomical context and is subjectively preferred over non-anthropomorphic simulators.