Pipistrelle bat tongue. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the surface of a pipistrelle bat's (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) tongue. Covering the majority of the tongue's surface are scale-like projections called filiform papillae. These are mechanical papillae that sense pressure. The three round areas here are fungiform papillae, which contain the taste buds (blue). Magnification: x350 when printed 10 centimetres wide.