The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in controlling cell growth, survival, and fate, shaping the vertebrate body plan. The Hh protein, a morphogen, is processed and secreted through a series of steps involving proteins like Skinny hedgehog (Ski) and Dispatched (Disp). The Hh gradient is shaped by proteins that facilitate its processing, secretion, and transport. Cellular responses to Hh depend on the type of cell, the dose of Hh, and the duration of exposure, involving multiple feedback loops. Germline mutations affecting Hh pathway activity can lead to developmental disorders, while somatic mutations activating the pathway are linked to human cancers. The Hh pathway has been extensively studied in *Drosophila* and vertebrates, with key differences noted in the mechanisms of signal transduction and pathway components. In mammals, the pathway involves additional proteins like Suppressor of Fused (Su[Fu]) and components involved in primary cilia formation. Hh signaling is critical during embryonic development, influencing processes such as limb patterning, neural tube specification, and bone growth. In adults, Hh signaling maintains bone homeostasis and regulates reproductive system development. Aberrant Hh signaling can lead to various diseases, including developmental disorders and cancer.The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in controlling cell growth, survival, and fate, shaping the vertebrate body plan. The Hh protein, a morphogen, is processed and secreted through a series of steps involving proteins like Skinny hedgehog (Ski) and Dispatched (Disp). The Hh gradient is shaped by proteins that facilitate its processing, secretion, and transport. Cellular responses to Hh depend on the type of cell, the dose of Hh, and the duration of exposure, involving multiple feedback loops. Germline mutations affecting Hh pathway activity can lead to developmental disorders, while somatic mutations activating the pathway are linked to human cancers. The Hh pathway has been extensively studied in *Drosophila* and vertebrates, with key differences noted in the mechanisms of signal transduction and pathway components. In mammals, the pathway involves additional proteins like Suppressor of Fused (Su[Fu]) and components involved in primary cilia formation. Hh signaling is critical during embryonic development, influencing processes such as limb patterning, neural tube specification, and bone growth. In adults, Hh signaling maintains bone homeostasis and regulates reproductive system development. Aberrant Hh signaling can lead to various diseases, including developmental disorders and cancer.