1. A dynamically programmable abdominal simulator system comprising: a patient manikin having an abdominal cavity extending over a given length and width of surface area of the abdominal cavity which is covered by a cover sheet; an array of inflatable elements emplaced within the abdominal cavity extending over the length and width of surface area of the abdominal cavity, wherein each inflatable element defines a respective distinct area of pressurization of the surface area of the abdominal cavity and is supplied with a medium of pressurization from a source of pressurization under separate and independent pressurization control from the other inflatable elements; an inflation manifold and an electronic control module operable therewith for controlling the medium of pressurization to be supplied separately and independently to the respective inflatable elements of the array from the source of pressurization; and a software program operable on a computer controller coupled to the electronic control module for dynamically programming control of pressurizations supplied separately and independently to the respective inflatable elements of the array from the source of pressurization, in order to dynamically control the array of inflatable elements to simulate a selected abdominal condition.