A method is disclosed for segmenting anatomical structures, in particular the coronary vessel tree, from 3D image data. In the method, a starting point is initially set in the 3D image data, and at least one known anatomically significant point and/or at least one known anatomically significant surface are/is identified in the 3D image data. Subsequently, proceeding from the starting point the structure is subsequently segmented pixel by pixel with the aid of a multiplicity of segmentation steps in such a way that an instantaneous distance is determined automatically relative to the anatomically significant point and/or to the anatomically significant surface in each segmentation step. Further, segmentation parameters and/or a selection of adjacent pixels for continuing the segmentation are/is established as a function of the distance, taking account of a model topology. The method enables an accurate and reliable segmentation of the anatomical structure.