The external granular layer (EGL) is a transient yet crucial layer for the formation of cerebellar cortex. Genetic mechanisms, including the sonic hedgehog (SHH) pathway is key to the proliferation of granule cell progenitors (GCPs), and disruptions in this process can lead to cerebellar disorders like medulloblastoma and Dandy–Walker malformation (DWM).The review consolidates findings from studies on human cerebellar development, primarily focusing on neurogenesis, the role of genetic pathways in EGL regulation, and its involvement in congenital disorders. In total 42 articles were comprehensively reviewed and the research gaps in current research on human foetal cerebellum development was highlighted. The key findings from various sections of the review are summarized as follows. In terms of gestational development, the timeline for the appearance and regression of the EGL in humans remains imprecise. Regarding morphometry, the EGL thickness shows a marked increase between 16 and 28 gestational weeks, reaching an average peak of approximately 50.05 µm around 24th to 28th weeks, and then declines during the late third trimester. In the context of gene expression, SHH signalling plays a critical role in driving the proliferation of GCPs within the EGL. When considering congenital disorders, disruptions in EGL development are associated with conditions such as medulloblastomas, DWM, and pilocytic astrocytoma. The review highlights major research gaps and underscores the need for further human-specific studies to enhance understanding and guide therapies for cerebellar disorders.

Methods: This study examined 40 VAs from 20 embalmed cadavers that were obtained from the voluntary donation program, and Institutional Ethical Clearance was obtained before the study. The length, diameter, and angle of the vertical, horizontal, and exit parts of the V3 segment of the VA were documented after its exposure. Results: The mean lengths of the right and left VAs on each part were nearly similar, except for the mean length of the horizontal part (right: 38.937 mm, left: 40.237 mm) and total length of the V3 segment (right: 66.870 mm, left: 70.350 mm). Conclusions These morphometric parameters are essential to spine surgeons who intend to operate on a small part (vertical, horizontal, or exit part) of the V3 segment of the VA. The mean values of the parameters obtained in this study give average measurements or safe limits to surgeons for safe surgical procedures such as the occipital condyle screw technique and C1 laminectomy.